…Sanwo-Olu Commends Judgements, Extends Olive Branch to Opponents

The judgements of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which on Monday upheld the victory of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat candidates of All Progressives Congress, as winners of the March 18th governorship poll in Lagos state, have been rejected by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran also known as Jandor and the Labour Party and as well as his candidate Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. They have indicated interest to contest the judgements in the appellate court.

The PDP and its candidate expressed their dissatisfactions in separate statements issued to address the ruling of the Justice Arum Ashom-led tribunal in which the petitions filed by Mr Abdulazeez Adediran and his counterpart, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party against the outcome of the Lagos state governorship election and the candidacy of the APC flag bearers were dismissed respectively. Labour Party also made its position and that of its candidate known in a statement.

In the PDP statement issued by Honourable Hakeem Amode, the Lagos state publicity secretary of the party, the party noted that it would examine the court’s ruling and decide on the next actions with the legal team. The party further expressed its readiness to pursue the case legally to the latter end, adding that such action would firmly establish the party’s dedication to serve the state if given the opportunity.

“While we refrain from providing a detailed analysis of the judgment at this juncture, we urge our dedicated supporters to maintain composure and abstain from any activities that may disrupt the harmony and order of our society. As a party, we are committed to undertaking a meticulous review of the judgment upon receipt of the Certified True Copy, and subsequently, we will issue precise directives to our legal team.

“The tenets of democracy are at the core of our party’s values, and we remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive society that serves the interests of all its citizens. We firmly believe that the appropriate avenue for addressing our concerns is through the legal process, and we are unwavering in our resolve to pursue our case until it reaches a just and lawful resolution. We retain utmost confidence in the people of Lagos State, who rightfully deserve the very best”, PDP said.

In the same light, Mr Abdulazeez Adediran in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, expressed his dissatisfaction with the court verdict, adding that the tribunal ignored the credible evidence provided before it.

Mr Ogunleye added that his principal believes that the position of the court did not align with the Nigeria constitution, reaffirming that he is determined to take the matter to the upper court.

“Dr. Adediran said it is quite unfortunate that the tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the credible and convincing evidence presented by his legal team on the non-qualifications of the APC and the Labour Party candidates in the election.

“He posited that the decision of the tribunal does not reflect the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022 on issues bothering on qualification of a candidate in an election.

“JANDOR however assured the good people of the state that Lagos PDP will study the judgement and decide on the next step to be taken.

“This is not the end of the electoral process, it is just another stage. We will study the judgement and take decisions in the best interest of Lagosians” Mr Ogunleye concluded.

Sanwo-Olu Commends Tribunal for Well Thought-out Judgements

However, the candidate of All Progressives Congress, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his satisfaction with the verdict of the state governorship election tribunal on Monday. The governor described the ruling as well-thought-out and detailed judgments that affirm commitment to the principles of fairness and justice.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that while the victory was for him, his deputy, and the party, he would not hesitate to commend the Lagos residents for electing them during the elections, saying that his administration will continue to focus on good governance.

The Governor also extended an olive branch to his opponents to join him in channeling their passion for governance and leadership to the growth of the state, adding that it will take the state to another phase of development.

I commend the judiciary and the judges that delivered the well-thought-out and detailed judgments. They took their time to explain to everyone the reasons that led them to the views and conclusions they gave today. We thank the judges for their firm commitment to the principle of fairness and justice”, Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

“As it is, Mr Deputy and I feel very privileged to have been elected to serve at this important moment in the history of our State. We thank all Lagosians for standing by us all through this journey. For us, this judgement is a victory for all. We are not coming out here to say somebody won or lost. For all of us on this political trajectory, there are no winners or losers.

“For us, our aim in governance is about service and ensuring that we are not distracted from all the promises we made to Lagosians. This judgement has given us the opportunity to double up our interventions to ensure that we continue to deliver quality dividends of democracy to our citizens.”

“I still want to give an opportunity to opposition parties’ candidates that contested against us to join hand with us if they share the same passion and commitment that we have to serve. We are ready to sit with them and have conversation around what ways they can channel their ideas in the development of the State. Lagos is big and its challenges are real, while its opportunities are boundless. There is always room for everybody to contribute”.

Labour Party Reacts

Also reacting to tribunal’s judgment, the Lagos Labour Party has expressed its disappointment with the court verdict with respect to the petition filed by its candidate, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to challenge the outcome of the governorship election and the eligibility of the deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat to contest in the poll.

The statement released by Olubunmi Odesanya Publicity Secretary Labour Party Lagos State indicated that the party will further take its prayers to the appellate court to review the tribunal’s judgment.

Ms Odesanya added that Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour was the winner of the state governorship election despite the intimidation they allegedly witnessed during the elections across the state.

The party further urged its members to maintain calmness and peaceful conduct promising to explore all the available legal options available to upturn the tribunal’s verdict and get Mr Rhodes-Vivour the deserved justice.

“As law-abiding citizens, our Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), and the Labour Party Lagos State, have instructed our Legal team to review the judgement with a view to appealing same at the Appellate Court.

“Our firm belief is that Labour Party won the election in spite of the harassment,intimidation and harm done to our members, the Obidients and supporters across thestate. This delayed justice will be rightfully regained at the fullness of time.

“Our Party will explore all legal means at righting the wrong done to majority of Lagosians.We appreciate your steadfastness and support as we continue in our pursuit for justice”, she said