The Court pf Appeal sitting in Lagos on Friday affirmed the victory of Prince Dapo Abiodun as the duly elected governor of Ogun State in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election thereby dismissing the appeal of the the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Ladi Adebutu.

In a split decision of 2 to 1 majority, Court of Appeal panel of three, presided over by Justice Joseph Ikyegh, the court dismissed the PDP candidate’s appeal and upheld the tribunal’s decision, which had earlier declared Prince Dapo Abiodun as the poll winner.

On the other hand, the minority judgement delivered by Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang permitted the appeal of the PDP candidate, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct another election within 90 days.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Dapo Abiodun winner of the governorship election in Ogun state, polling 276, 298 votes ahead of the PDP candidate, who scored 262,383 votes.

Faulting the outcome of the election, Mr. Adebutu approached the electoral tribunal to nullify it with the claim that the election was full of electoral malpractices and violations of the Electoral Act. He also alleged that the poll was marred by corrupt practices, multiple thumb printing of ballot papers, ballot stuffing, and forgery

However, the election tribunal dismissed his claim on the grounds that the allegations were without merit, upholding the APC candidate’s declaration as the winner of the March 18 governorship election.

Displeased with the tribunal’s ruling, Adebutu went to the Appeal Court to challenge the stance of the electoral tribunal. He requested in his appeal that the appeals court recognise him as the state’s legitimately elected governor on the grounds of voter suppression, disenfranchisement, and other electoral irregularities.

His appeal, however, was dismissed by the appellate court in a 2 to 1 majority decision, with the appellate court ruling that the appellant failed to prove that the election was tainted by corrupt practices. The court decided that the appeal was without merit and would therefore be dismissed.

The appeal court further maintained that the appellant also failed to prove the allegation of disenfranchisement on the grounds that the appellant only presented a voter who was able to vote during the election, adding that he did not present an electorate who was deprived of their franchise during the election.

Reacting to the judgement, Prince Dapo Abiodun displayed his satisfaction with the verdict, noting that the judgement of the appellate court demonstrated unity among the residents of Ogun state. “Dear citizens and residents of Ogun State, I sincerely wish to convey my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support throughout our journey. Today’s triumph at the Court of Appeal not only validates the authenticity of the mandate you bestowed upon us during the last governorship election but also demonstrates the strength of our unity.

“Our administration remains committed to the advancement and socioeconomic growth of the Gateway State. Through our Building Our Future Together Agenda and #ISEYA mantra, we will tirelessly strive for the betterment of every individual living and working across this great state, ensuring prosperity for all.” he said.