“Court you've bribed”: Reactions follow Tinubu’s statement on Ondo election dispute

• President Tinubu urged dissatisfied parties to explore the legal route if they dispute the Ondo election results
• Tinubu congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended security forces and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for smooth conduct of the election
• TheRadar compiled public reactions following Tinubu’s statement 

Nigerians have reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s statement following the Ondo State governorship election, in which he urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 16 other dissatisfied parties to seek legal redress if they are not satisfied with the election result.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 17, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the winner of the election, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also encouraged the other parties to take advantage of the judicial system to address any grievances they may have regarding the election outcome.

Tinubu praises INEC for handling of Ondo election

The statement read, “The president believes the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Indepen­dent National Electoral Commis­sion, affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early prepara­tions, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process.

“The president commends INEC for the efficiency of up­loading more than 98 per cent of results on the same day of the elections.

“He extends his apprecia­tion to the Nigeria Police Force, National Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Na­tional Youth Service Corps, the military and other security out­fits for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order”.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had officially declared Aiyedatiwa as the winner of Saturday’s election, after he secured 366,781 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, who garnered 113,845 votes. Aiyedatiwa dominated all 18 local government areas of the state.

Public reacts to Tinubu’s statement on Ondo election

The Radar has compiled a range of public reactions to the President’s statement following the election result below: 

“This man has reduced the bragging rights of the Yoruba people. It will be difficult for Yorubas to get to Aso Rock after Tinubu's time because of how terrible his administration is,” Iwunna stated. 

“Court use to be a place where justice is served but now it's no longer like that anymore,” dmasterdon reacted. 

“Justice system in Nigeria is a huge joke.I can’t think of any serious democracy were politicians are emboldened by a criminally constituted judiciary ..In Nigeria today the just is scared of the court while the unjust refers the cheated to court,” Oga Mayor PCFR added. 

“Court you've all bribed with cars money and houses?” Concerned citizen(Athiest) reacted. 

“So people think their vote will count?” Precious stated. 

“After them don buy everybody for court, all those charge and bail wereys,” Imoga 231 reacted. 

“They really don't want people to come out to vote again,” Precious added. 

#OndoDecides2024: APC congratulates Aiyedatiwa, applauds electorate

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the APC extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his re-election, praising his leadership and successful policies. 

The ruling party also hailed Aiyedatiwa's overwhelming win across all 18 LGAs, noting that his re-election is a testament to the public's confidence in his leadership.