Joint security forces have assumed control of the premises of the Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, where the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment.
The tribunal, led by Hamidu Kunaza, is addressing the petition lodged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, challenging the victory of Dapo Abiodun in the March 18 governorship election.
Security personnel were deployed to the court as early as 6 a.m., and all routes leading to the Isabo court have been sealed off to prevent both human and vehicular movement. Daily Trust Reports
Two armored personnel carriers have been stationed in front of the court as a security measure.
In an attempt to maintain order, security operatives have also restricted access to the court premises, even preventing some journalists from entering.
The tribunal is scheduled to commence its proceedings at 9 a.m.
In the initial election results, Abiodun was declared the winner with 276,298 votes, while Adebutu secured 262,38 votes. Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came in third with 94,754 votes.
However, the PDP and Adebutu contested the outcome, alleging irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The petitioners further claimed that the election process was marred by disruptions caused by thugs in more than 99 polling units, resulting in the disenfranchisement of over 40,000 voters. Adebutu is seeking a court order declaring him as the rightful winner of the election and calling for a fresh election in the 99 polling units across 16 Local Government Areas where voting was either not conducted or canceled due to disruptions and over-voting.
