ONDO: Boroffice says Gov Akeredolu not behind withdrawal of MPN’s petition

The lawmaker representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Ajayi Boroffice has countered media reports claiming that the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was involved in the final withdrawal of a case at the Ondo state Election Tribunal.

A petition filed before the State Election Petition Tribunal for the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over absence of its logo on the ballot papers used for Ondo North senatorial election had been withdrawn by the party.

There were reports that Akeredolu served as an arbiter to save Senator Boroffice by asking the Mega Party of Nigeria, MPA, to withdraw the petition.

Borrofice in a statement by his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi described the claim as false, stressing that MPN did not sponsor any candidate for Ondo North senatorial election conducted on February 23.

READ ALSO: Adamawa APC endorses Lawan, Gbajabiamila for NASS leadership

It said, “this fact is contained in Form CFO 002 C (II) that was signed by both the National Chairman and National Secretary of MPN. The form CF 002 C (II) was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 18th of October, 2018.

“This fact also explains the absence of MPN’s logo on the ballot papers used for Ondo North senatorial election.

“Secondly, MPN did not actually file petition against INEC and Senator Boroffice. It was the senatorial candidate of Action Alliance (AA) for Ondo North, Tunji Abayomi, who sponsored the case on behalf of MPN without the authorisation of the National leadership of MPN.

“Instructively, Abayomi of the AA could not have sponsored the case without the support of his political leader, Governor Akeredolu.

“From the above-stated facts, it is clear Akeredolu did not play any such role like role of arbiter in the resolution of the MPN to discontinue a case that was initiated and instituted on its behalf without its authorisation.

“Furthermore, If the media wishes to attribute role to Akeredolu on the matter, such role should be confined to the sponsorship of the case”.

The statement encouraged the media to always maintain its cherished tradition of credible broadcasting and reportage of issues of public importance.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now