Ondo 2016: Court Adjourns Ruling On Jegede, Ibrahim Appeals Indefinitely

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, Politics Friday, November 18th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Ahmed Makarfi-led opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered further setback Friday, as Justice Ibrahim Saulawa Appeal panel in Abuja, adjourned indefinitely ruling on the appeal filed by the factional Ondo State Governorship candidates, Messrs Eyitayo Jegede and Jimoh Ibrahim.

The Court of Appeal has reserved ruling about two times this week, especially due to the first respondent (Jimoh Ibrahim faction) Counsel argument that the court has lost its jurisdiction on the matter, as the Ali Modu-Sheriff faction of the party has filed stay of proceeding before the supreme court on the rival faction appeal.

The Makarfi faction is appealing against the INEC decision of substituting its candidate Mr. Jegede with Mr. Ibrahim, on the ground that Bonu-Sheriff faction is the one recognized by the court.

In addition, Justice Saulawa panel adjourned all other pending appeals, including those filed by Makarfi faction, which relate to the dispute and controversy opposition PDP governorship ticket. INEC has fixed the decisive poll to Saturday, November 26, 2016.

The jurist clarified that while the panel was supposed to have ruled on the appeals filed by the two factions, which the hearing lasted between Wednesday and Thursday, yet, the indefinite adjournment was meant to await the decision of the Supreme Court on interlocutory appeals filed by the respondents – Bonu-Sheriff faction and its candidate.