Ondo poll: Supreme Court upholds Jegede candidacy, throws out Jimoh Ibrahim’s appeal

The Supreme Court has thrown out an appeal filed by Jimoh Ibrahim challenging his removal as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo.

Ibrahim’s name was removed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the Court of Appeal, on Wednesday, November 23, ruled in favour of Eyitayo Jegede as the rightful candidate.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, November 24, upheld the appeal court’s decision and dismissed all appeals filed by Ibrahim and the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP.

“In this circumstance this appeal is hereby struck out with no orders as to cost,” acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen said.

“This appeal is different in its entirety because this is the only appeal coming before the governorship election of Ondo fixed for Saturday and it cannot be adjourned because time is of essence.

“The final judgment of the court delivered yesterday and the ruling makes it pursuit academic,” he added.

Jegede is the candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP while Ibrahim is the candidate of the Sheriff faction.