ILORIN — CHIEF Simeon Ajibola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara South, who was declared winner by the Court of Appeal in Ilorin, last Thursday, over ANPP Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, narrowly escaped death weekend when his home was attacked.
Narrating his ordeal to journalists, Chief Ajibola said unknown assailants attacked his home on University Road, Tanke quarters, Ilorin, shortly after he left home. He said the assailants destroyed electronic gadgets and other valuables around and shattered all the louver windows of the building.
Ruins of the destroyed electronic gadgets and shattered louver blades littered the floor, when Vanguard called. Chief Ajibola who thanked God that he was not at home, said he was the main target.
“Only God knows what would have happened now. Thank God that I am alive, hale and hearty with members of my family. I don’t believe in violence, and that was the reason for my resolve to seek justice in the law court” he said.
It would be recalled that the Election Appeal Court sitting in Ilorin last Thursday voided the victory of Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, the ANPP serving senator, and declared Chief Simeon Ajibola, the PDP aspirant as the winner for the Kwara South Senatorial District in the last election. Justice O. Adekeye who read the lead judgment supported by three others said Ajadi’s victory was marred by electoral malpractices and deprivation of franchise of some voters in some polling stations.
In a related development, the Kwara State Government welcomed the judgement. The government according to a statement by the Information Commissioner, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin is delighted that by an overwhelming majority of four to one, the Court of Appeal upheld the earlier judicial decision of the election tribunal that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Simeon Ajibola was the candidate duly elected by the Kwara South electorate.
The government, the statement added, welcomes the confirmation of Chief Ajibola’s election as a good development for democracy. The Governor, Dr. Bukola Saraki on his part congratulated Chief Ajibola for his hard-won electoral battle and rejoices with the people of Kwara State over this landmark development. Governor Saraki assured Kwarans that the new development will spur his government to work harder for the good of Kwara people.
