News Desk
September 25, 2023 – Lagos
In a much-anticipated verdict, the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has today delivered its judgment, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle.
The tribunal, presided over by Justice Arum Ashom, began proceedings promptly at 10:24 am. The first petition to be addressed was that of Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18 election. Notably, Jandor and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party candidate, were yet to arrive in court when the proceedings commenced.
However, the presence of top government officials added to the courtroom’s gravity, with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, seated attentively. Dr. Hamzat arrived at the Rosaline Omotoso Courthouse, Ikeja, amid tight security at around 9:20 am, accompanied by aides.
The tribunal’s decision came after months of legal arguments, with the Labour Party and PDP challenging the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who secured his second term in a landslide victory, garnering 762,134 votes compared to his closest rival, Rhodes-Vivour, who polled 312,329 votes.
Both opposition parties alleged irregularities, violence, over-voting, and voter suppression in their petitions, claiming that these factors had marred the election. The ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), strongly defended the legitimacy of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s win.
The tribunal’s judgment, ultimately a victory for Sanwo-Olu, marks a significant moment in Lagos State politics. As the verdict was announced, supporters of the ruling party gathered outside the courthouse, celebrating the confirmation of their leader’s mandate.
Security around the courthouse was notably tight, with a large police contingent and a bomb disposal vehicle stationed in the vicinity. Access to the courtroom was limited, with political supporters kept at bay.
This judgment settles the contentious issue of the Lagos gubernatorial election, reaffirming Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory, and bringing to a close one of the most closely watched political cases in recent memory.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
