Juliet Buna
The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed former Deputy Governor of Ondo, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, as the duly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ondo Central Senatorial District in the 2023 general elections.
The Apex court dismissed an appeal filed by the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Nicholas Tofowomo against the former Deputy Governor and the PDP candidate for Ondo South Senatorial District in the 2023 General Elections, Alfred Agboola Ajayi.
Senator Tofowomo had filed the appeal against the Judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure Judicial Division delivered on 30th November, 2022, by Justice A.O Lokulo-Sodipe.
The lower court delivered its Judgment on 30th November, 2022, where it dismissed the Appellant’s case on the ground that same is statute barred.
Dissatisfied by the decision of the Court of Appeal dismissing his appeal against Agboola Ajayi, Senator Tofowomo further appealed to the Supreme Court in a suit number: SC/CV/1526/2022.
However, in a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim on Friday-27th January, 2023, the Apex Court dismissed the appeal on the basis that the case is statute barred as the cause of action accrued on the date the form was submitted to 3rd Respondent (INEC).
Tofowomo who scored 74 in the primary election has dragged Ajayi who polled 78 votes to Court to challenge the qualification of Ajayi in the contest.