Go To Court, Tinubu Tells Aggrieved Losers Of Ondo Governorship Election
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on candidates and political parties dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded Ondo governorship election to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to acts that could undermine peace and democracy.
In a statement issued by his media team, Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a “credible and transparent election,” while urging all parties to respect the rule of law in addressing grievances.
Tinubu emphasized that the judiciary remains the appropriate avenue for addressing electoral disputes, stating:
“If you feel aggrieved by the outcome of the Ondo governorship election, I urge you to go to court. Let us uphold our democracy by respecting legal processes rather than inflaming tensions with baseless accusations or unlawful actions.”
The president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following allegations of irregularities during the election. Several opposition candidates and their supporters have voiced concerns about vote-buying, intimidation, and discrepancies in the collation of results.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties have raised questions about the conduct of the election, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) deployed state resources to secure victory. In a statement, the PDP’s spokesperson criticized the electoral process, claiming it was marred by irregularities that undermined its credibility.
However, INEC has maintained that the election was conducted in line with established guidelines, dismissing allegations of bias or manipulation.
Nigeria’s judiciary has become a critical player in resolving electoral disputes, with numerous landmark judgments reshaping political outcomes in recent years. Analysts view Tinubu’s call as a reaffirmation of the legal framework for contesting election results.
“Encouraging aggrieved parties to go to court reflects the president’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law. It’s also an acknowledgment of the judiciary's role in upholding electoral integrity.”
As the dust begins to settle, attention is now on the next steps for aggrieved parties. Legal experts have advised opposition candidates to compile evidence and approach the courts with substantiated claims, emphasizing the importance of respecting judicial outcomes.
The Ondo election has once again spotlighted the challenges of Nigeria’s electoral process, including voter inducement, logistics lapses, and post-election disputes. While President Tinubu’s call for legal recourse is seen as a step toward calming tensions, it also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms.
For now, the ball is in the court of the aggrieved parties, as Nigerians watch closely to see whether legal battles will bring closure to the Ondo governorship election saga or deepen the divisions it has exposed.
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