The election petitions tribunal in Osun State has dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kayode Oduoye, against Mr Yinka Ajayi, of the All Progressive Congress (APC), a member of the House of Representatives, representing  Ifelodun/Boripe/ Odo Otin Federal Constituency.

The chairman of the three-man panel, Justice A. G. Kwajaffa, who read the judgment in Osogbo on Friday said that Mr Kayode Oduoye failed to prove the allegations of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act before the court.

The petitioner, who was represented by his counsel, Mr Nathaniel Oke (SAN), had filed a petition before the tribunal, asking the panel to nullify Ajayi’s victory. In the last 2015 general election.

Ajayi, who was represented in court by the immediate past Attorney General of Osun State, Mr Wale Afolabi, as well as the counsel for the APC, Ibrahim Lawal as well as counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Olorunfemi Olalekan, asked the tribunal to dismiss the case because it lacked merit.

Having examined the evidence tendered and carried out evaluation of the witnesses testimonies, the panel unanimously held that the petitioners failed to prove the allegations raised in the petition.

Kwajaffa said: "The petition is accordingly dismissed.” While the respondent’s counsels hailed the verdict, describing it as well researched and delivered, the counsel for the PDP, Mr Henry Odunayo, said his client “will explore the next line of action within the ambit of the law.”

The petitioner in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo said he would appeal the verdict, which he described as shocking.