The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the November 26 governorship election in Ondo state.
A statement signed by Dayo Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the faction, said the election should be postponed pending the determination of its suit before the Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Ibrahim Salauwa on Friday reserved judgment on the appeal challenging the ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court recognising Jimoh Ibrahim of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction as the PDP candidate for the poll.
Adeyeye said that the call was important as INEC, Makarfi and Eyitayo Jegedethe faction’s candidate in the election were all party to the suit.
“We make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC is a party to the suit before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
INEC is well aware of the steps taken by certain parties to the suit to frustrate the course of justice.
We also make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC postponed the Edo State gubernatorial elections and recently postponed the Rivers re-run elections without any cogent or visible reason,’’ he said.
Adeyeye said that the decision of Justice Salauwa to reserve judgment was taken as a result of a petition written against the panel.
He said that Salauwa said that the petition was addressed to the Chief Justice of the Federation and Chairman, National Judicial Commission alleging acts of corruption, bias and breach of oaths of office.
“Furthermore, the respondents had filed a motion at the Supreme Court in which the Justices of Court of Appeal panel were named co-respondents in their personal capacities.
The indefinite adjournment is a consequence of the latest of several mischievous actions taken by Messrs Biyi Poroye, Jimoh Ibrahim and their legal team led by Ben Nwofor (SAN).
This outright bullying and intimidation of the Justices of the Court of Appeal is enabled by the recent invasion of the homes of Justices of the Supreme Court,’’ he said.
Adeyeye called on members and supporters of PDP in Ondo State and across the country to remain calm.
“We believe that there are men and women of integrity in the judiciary who will ensure that this act of injustice does not stand,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff-led faction of the PDP, has urged INEC, the judiciary and members of the public to disregard the call for the postponement of the election.
A statement signed by Sheriff’s deputy Cairo Ojougboh, said the faction is ready for the election.