by Damilola Jagun

The All Progressives Congress’ candidate in Ogun-East senatorial district, Dapo Abiodun, has filed a petition before the state National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, challenging the victory of the winner, Buruji Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Abiodun argued in the petition, that Kashamu was not qualified to contest the election and that he also did not poll the highest number of lawful votes as required by law.

The petitioner said he would rely on form EC8E (1) to prove his case, further while also alleging that Kashamu, PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, who were joined as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents respectively, failed to comply with all the electoral laws.

The petition read, “The election of Buruji Kashamu is invalid by reason of substantial non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2015 (as amended), the manual for Election Officials 2015, the guidelines issued for the conduct of the election.”

“The election of Kashamu is invalid by reason of corrupt practices and electoral malpractices perpetrated by the first respondents in person and members and agents of the 1st and 2nd respondents in the places mentioned in this petition.

“Kashamu was not qualified to contest the election.”

Consequently, Abiodun urged the court to nullify all the results from polling units and wards where the requisite forms were not completed, dated, signed or stamped by the concerned officials.

Kolapo Olapoju