The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State on Friday reacted to the verdict of the Supreme Court on the commencement of hearing in a case filed against the outcome of September 3, 2016 primary in Ondo State by an aspirant, Dr. Olusegun Abraham.

The party in a statement by its Director of Media & Publicity, Steve Otalorilot noted that some political confusionists have started misinterpreting the apex court’s verdict as outright removal of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from office and to be replaced with the applicant, Abraham.

The party said “it is unfortunate that this group of people decided to confuse members of our party and the good people of Ondo State in favour of their leader.

“Without prejudice to the judgement handed down by the Supreme Court, every member of APC is convinced that the primary was free, fair and transparent.

“It is established that the authentic party register was used at the primary, which was adjudged free, fair and acceptable by the party which would still form the basis for the application of the plaintiff.”

However, the statement urged all APC members and the citizenry to remain calm and refused to be confused on the court verdict, which is a mere permission to begin the hearing of the case itself.

According to the statement, “It is pertinent to let our members and people of Ondo State to know that the governor is unperturbed being a legal luminary who understands that the Supreme Court verdict only permits him to open up his defence and put the record straight.

“The veracity of the matter is largely on Akeredolu’s side considering the avalanche of evidence in his favour.

“Akeredolu’s character, popularity and conviction on the fair conduct of the primary prompted other contestants in the primary to congratulate him when he was declared winner.

“It is also clear that the apex court’s verdict is a sheer approval to commence hearing of a case that has not begun.

“Nevertheless, Abraham is currently alone on this legal journey as all other contestants in the primary have been working towards strengthening the party, while the national leadership of the party as well as our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already working with Akeredolu and our party (APC) for successful implementation of all his people-oriented programmes.”

The APC said the current unity among members of the party was a strong indication that “Abraham is standing alone in his illusion, trying to whip up a dead horse”.

(The Nation)

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