Ajia Withdraws Petition Against Shagaya At Tribunal
By Oyewale Oyelola
..Says INEC Refuses To Release BVAS Report, Election Materials
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia has withdrawn petition against Muktar Shagaya at the Election Tribunal.
Ajia in a statement made available to FactualTimes on Friday, says he is withdrawing the case because the Independent National Electoral Commission refused to release BVAS report and other electoral materials.
According to him, After we briefed our lawyers, they filed ex-parte motion for an order to compel INEC to allow us access to the electoral materials including the BVAS report. Unfortunately, the panel members were nowhere to be found. It took eight days after we filed our case for the panel to arrive to grant us the ex-parte order.
The Ilorin born Politician said: “Despite the delay in granting our order, INEC refused to obey the order, up till this moment. That has limited the capacity of our legal team to present a robust case towards reclaiming our mandate.”
He also alleged INEC of colluding with the All Progressives Congress to deny his legal team to establish the malpractices in the election.
“We have had representations and expressions of deep concerns by a lot of people about the apparent connivance between the APC and INEC and how that will impact the legal process. My immediate family has also expressed worries about the diminishing possibility of an impartial legal process and urged me to let it go. More importantly, as a strong believer and a true Muslim, I believe that it is the Almighty Allah that gives Power and to whom he wishes at the appointed time.” Ajia explained.
“Also, considering that this is the Holy month of Ramadan, I have deeply reflected on one of the lessons of Ramadan which is the spirit of forgiveness, and wish to discontinue the legal process we have instituted at the tribunal, against our opponent, APC and INEC.”
The PDP Candidate noted that he not expecting any consideration or gain from his opponent or party but for the sake of God Almighty, the progress of Constituency and Kwara State.
Ajia however promised to continue to impact Peoples’ lives positively through his Foundation and other engagements with various organisations and institutions.
He appreciated Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and PDP for their support throughout the electioneering process.
