Appeal Court affirms victory of Rep. Salam in Osun

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo state has affirmed the victory of the member representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bamidele Salam of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a unanimous decision read by Justice Muhammed Danjuma, the court quashed the decision of the election petition tribunal delivered on September 2 which ordered for fresh elections in 12 polling units of the federal constituency.

Salam’s victory was challenged by the APC candidate, Adejare Bello, who secured the initial victory at the election petition tribunal which sat in Osogbo, Osun state

The appellate court however, ruled the trial tribunal erred in law when it held that there was over- voting in the affected polling units which necessitated a supplementary election to decide a winner.

The Appeal Court said that the trial tribunal wrongfully applied the provisions of the Electoral Act in determining over -voting as the records presented before it did not prove the allegations of the petitioner.

The 3- man panel also held that the fact that the PDP candidate led with 1, 710 votes even after the wrongful cancellation of votes in the affected 12 polling units should have been taken into cognisance by the tribunal rather that ordering for a re-run election.

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In his immediate reaction to the judgement, Rep. Salam said he is dedicating the victory to God and all people of good conscience in Nigeria.

He added that it is quite challenging to have gone through all the stress, but believes it is for a purpose which God knows.

“I can only show my gratitude to God and my constituents by dedicating myself afresh to greater, better and untiring selfless service,” he concluded.