Ondo elections court of appeal breaking news

Here are some breaking news updates on the Ondo State Governorship Election Appeal at the Court of Appeal:

Breaking News:

• The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, has nullified the election of Rotimi Akeredolu as the Governor of Ondo State.
• The court ordered a fresh election to be conducted within 60 days.
• The judgment was delivered by a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour.
• The appellants, Eyitayo Jegede and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had challenged the victory of Akeredolu and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the November 26, 2020, governorship election.
• The court held that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) acted in breach of the Electoral Act by declaring Akeredolu winner of the election.
• The court also ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Akeredolu and to issue a fresh one to the winner of the fresh election.

Reactions:

• Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP candidate, has welcomed the judgment, saying it is a victory for democracy and the people of Ondo State.
• Rotimi Akeredolu, the APC candidate, has vowed to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court.
• The APC has described the judgment as a "judicial coup" and has called on its supporters to remain calm.
• The PDP has called on INEC to immediately implement the judgment and conduct a fresh election.

Background:

• The Ondo State governorship election was held on November 26, 2020, with Akeredolu of the APC emerging winner.
• Jegede of the PDP had challenged the election, alleging irregularities and malpractices.
• The election petition tribunal had dismissed Jegede's petition, but he appealed the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Next Steps:

• INEC is expected to comply with the court's order and conduct a fresh election within 60 days.
• The APC has vowed to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court, which may delay the conduct of the fresh election.
• The PDP has called on its supporters to remain calm and to continue to push for the implementation of the judgment.

I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.