Lagos Appeal Court Confirms Sanwo-Olu as Governor, Dismisses PDP’s Lawsuit
The Lagos Appeal Court has upheld the election victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of Lagos State, dismissing the lawsuit filed by Olajide Adediran, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court’s unanimous decision affirms the judgment of the tribunal, confirming Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as the rightful winners of the gubernatorial election.
The three-member panel, led by Yargata Nimpa, dismissed the grounds of appeal raised by Adediran, popularly known as Jandor. Justice Nimpa, Justice Samuel Bola, and Justice Paul Bassey jointly delivered the judgment, stating that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims. The court ruled that the PDP’s candidate presented no evidence to support their allegations, ultimately leading to the dismissal of their petition.
In their ruling, the Court made it clear that despite the issues raised by the appellants, they failed to meet the burden of proof required in pre-election matters. The PDP and Adediran were unable to establish their case, entailing that their petition was dismissed. 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, stated the Court.
The judgment brings closure to the legal battle surrounding the Lagos State gubernatorial election, solidifying Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat’s positions as the elected Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively. As they continue to lead Lagos State, their victory ensures the continuation of the progressive development agenda planned for the state.
This latest ruling further reaffirms the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria and emphasizes the importance of providing substantial evidence to support allegations. With the dismissal of the PDP’s lawsuit, it is expected that both ruling and opposition parties will now focus on working collaboratively to address the challenges facing Lagos State and improve the lives of its residents.
The confirmation of Sanwo-Olu as the Governor of Lagos State reflects the will of the people, as expressed through their votes. It signifies a mandate that must be respected and supported to achieve progress, stability, and prosperity for the state and its citizens.
In conclusion, the Lagos Appeal Court’s decision to uphold the election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Governor and dismiss the PDP’s lawsuit brings legal clarity to the political landscape of Lagos State. With this chapter now closed, the focus can shift towards effective governance and addressing the pressing needs of the state’s residents. The ruling serves as a reminder of the significance of credible evidence and ensures the continuous development and progress of Lagos State under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
