Ondo Tribunal: Drama as two diferent counsels appear for Accord Party

The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure,the State Capital today witnessed a drama in the court room when two Counsel appeared for the petition filed by the same political party Initially,a Lawyer,Michael Lana has been holding brief for the Accord Party since the commencement of the Tribunal sessions. However,another Lawyer,Olabanjo Ayemakin suddenly stood up to announced his appearance for the same Party. Besides,the Tribunal shunned the party's National Chairman,Alhaji A.Lalado who came from Abuja in an attempt to affirm in the court that the former state chairman of the party,Dr Ajibola Falaye who had been expelled from the party over alleged anti-party activities is still the Accord Chairman in the State. The State Executive of the Party had appointed Mr Olarewaju Olaniyan as its Acting State Chairman. The Tribunal Chairman,Justice A.Kaka'n excused the National Chairman and asked his Executive to go and settle their differences internally both on counsel and chairmanship of the party. Accord is contesting the omission of its governorship candidate name from the list of all contestants by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Akure has reserved its ruling on pending applications before the Tribunal to later date. The Tribunal at todays sitting entertain arguement from the Respondents, Dr Mimiko, Labour Party and INEC on their objections to Tribunal Jurisdiction on the consolidated petitions of Accord Party, ACN PDP and CPC The Tribunal also heard the applications of all the petitioners seeking the hearing of all the objections with the substantive petition. The Tribunal also heard the motion of Accord Party praying for Judgment based on INEC admission to having Excluded the Party. On the issue of legal representation of Accord Party which created a mild drama before the Tribunal, the Tribunal adjourned the matter to Tuesday 29 of January for hearing.