Ondo 2016: We will abide by rule of law – Jegede

The Ondo State governorship candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede, has said he would abide by the rule of law with regards to his application at the Appeal Court.

Mr. Jegede was on Thursday granted leave by the appellate court to proceed with his challenge of a ruling by a Federal High Court which endorsed Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate for the Ondo state election scheduled for November 26. Mr. Ibrahim was nominated by the faction the party led by former Borno State governor, Ali Sheriff.

In a statement on Friday, Mr. Jegede, a lawyer, said he was optimistic that the appellate court will address what he described as the distractions of manipulators in the state’s forthcoming election.

“I again reiterate that I am absolutely committed to the rule of law. I have submitted my grievances to the courts and despite the contrivance and manipulation by those who are opposed to democracy, we have been vindicated at the first step and God willing, we will continue to trudge on”, he said.

“There is no looking back, we are here because we have the interest of the people at heart”.

A three-member panel of justices led by Ibrahim Salauwa paved the way for the continuation of Mr. Jegede’s appeal after striking out a counter appeal by counsel to the defendants, Beluolisa Nwofor.

Mr. Salauwa also gave Mr. Jegede 24 hours to file his brief of arguments and gave three days to the other parties to submit their briefs.

The matter was adjourned to a date yet to be communicated to parties.