By; ODEYEMI SAMUEL, Akure.
A High Court sitting in Akure has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from substituting or replacing the name of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 26, 2016 governorship election, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).
In the judgement given on October 26, 2016, Justice W. R. Olamide noted that it would be out of order for INEC to replace or substitute Jegede’s name.
This, according to him would contravene the principles of equity, Justice and fairness.
The judgement read in part: “It is hereby ordered as prayed. The defendant/respondent is hereby restrained either by itself, chairman, commissioners, agents and servants, officers or privies or through any person or persons.
“Howsoever from changing, replacing, removing, substituting or in any manner tampering with the name, Eyitayo Jegede SAN as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the governorship election slated for November 26, 2016 pending the determination of motion on notice.
“In the interest of justice and fair hearing, the Claimant/Applicant is hereby ordered to ensure service of the order herein granted, the motion on notice and originating summons on the Defendant/Respondent before the next date of hearing”.
In a swift reaction, The PDP in Ondo State has hailed the judgement restraining the INEC from substituting or replacing Jegede’s name with that of Jimoh.
The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ondo State, Mr Banji Okunomo said it is a victory for the nation’s hard earned democracy.
