ONDO 2016: Mimiko In Second Close Doors Meeting With Buhari

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, November 21st, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Barely six days to the election, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has met for the second time with President Muhammadu Buhari inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

It would be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday October 27, 2016 announced the substitution of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim of the Ali Modo-Sheriff faction, on the ground that the latter faction was the one recognized by the court.

The development sparked up violent protest across Ondo State as well as the first Mimiko’s visit to President Buhari Friday, October 28, 2016.

The Governor then appealed to Mr. President to prevail on INEC to be fair to all parties in its action, as well as the need to help allow peace to reign in the South west State.

The Monday visit might not be unconnected to the speculated push for postponement by the PDP, so as to allow the Supreme court to rule on the counter appeals before it, which was filed by the Bonu-Sheriff faction against the rival appeal which is still before and Abuja division of Appeal court.

Governor Mimiko also met briefly with President Buhari last Saturday, when he visited Akure, the Ondo State capital for the APC candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu mega rally.

INEC has fixed the poll for this Saturday – November 26, 2016 and it has vowed to go ahead with the exercise, despite the calling for postponement by the PDP.