The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, dismissed the appeals filed by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, against the electoral victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for lacking in merit.
The three-man panel presided over by Justice Yargata Nimpar, held that the appellants failed to prove their allegations of forgery and non-qualification against the governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Justice Nimpar, who read the judgement on the PDP’s appeal, held that, “even though they were all pre-election matters, the appellants (PDP and Adeniran) still failed to prove them. The appellants came empty-handed and left empty-handed. They merely enjoyed their day in court. Their petition is dismissed.”
Other Justices of the panel were Justice Samuel Bola and Justice Paul Bassi.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the appellate court’s verdict on his electoral victory has recommitted him and deputy to Greater Lagos Agenda.
“With sense of humility, I welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal, which ruled today in our favour, thereby validating the position of Lagosian who freely cast their ballots to return my deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and I as Governor and Deputy Governor of our dear State. We do not take it for granted.
“Today’s judicial pronouncements, like those of the Lagos State Elections Petition Tribunal, have buoyed my confidence in our country’s judicial system. The Court examined all the issues and did justice to them, without leaving anyone in doubt as to who is the rightful winner of the election.
“Our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to maintain its firm belief in the judicial process. My deputy and I have satisfied all the constitutional requirements and are now more focused on delivering the democratic dividends to our people.
“With deep gratitude to the Almighty God, I humbly accept today’s Appeal Court verdict, with a sense of responsibility and a desire to continue with the giant strides of our administration so as to leave a great legacy for our people.
“The judicial victory has further strengthened my resolve to impact the lives of Lagos residents positively, regardless of their political persuasion, in line with our THEMES+ development agenda.
“We urge our opponents to embrace the olive branch and join our sure march to the Greater Lagos that keeps rising by the day.
“May God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.