Tribunal affirms Lagos governor’s election

 

IBRAHIM QUADRI

 

The Lagos Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday dismissed the petition filed by the PDP candidate, Olajide Adediran popularly called Jandor, against the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Ibafemi Hamzat.

 

Sanwo-Olu commended the judiciary and the judges who sat on the State 2023 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and ruled in his favour, declaring his victory as one for all.

 

The tribunal upheld the election of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.

 

The tribunal declared that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat are eminently qualified to contest the March 18 governorship election in the state under section 177 of the Constitution.

 

Justice Mikhail Abdullahi stated this while delivering judgment in the petition filed against their election by the PDP candidate, Olajide Adediran aka Jandor.

 

The judge noted that they are members of political party and educated up to school certificate level.

 

Section 177 of the constitution stipulated that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if

 

(a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth;

 

(b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years;

 

(c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and

 

(d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

 

“We have considered evidence before this court. He has highest number of votes. This petition is dead on arrival. In view of evidence adduced before the court, the grounds on which the petitioners is seeking disqualification of 2nd and 3rd respondents lacks merit.

 

“I have found Sanwo-Olu and deputy Dr Hamzat duly elected and therefore declared them winner,” the judge said.

 

In his reaction while addressing newsmen at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu  commended and thanked the judges for giving a well detailed verdict, expressing joy that the judgment was giving in his favour and his deputy, Dr. Kadir Obafemi Hamzat.

 

The governor, while commending the judiciary for the efforts, however, called on the opposition candidates of Labour Party, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Dr. Abdulaziz Olajide Adediran (Jandor) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join hands with his administration, in order for them to contribute their quotas to the development of the state.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who noted that it was “a long though election,” equally called on Lagosians for support and cooperate with his administration, saying that his victory was call for more work to be done for them irrespective of party affiliations, religion, tribe or status.

 

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC Lagos State chapter has congratulated Sanwo-Olu and  Hamzat over their victory at the  tribunal.

 

In a statement signed by the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo noted that the judgement was an affirmation of the overwhelming free choice made by the people of Lagos.

 

The statement read, “We wish to congratulate the Governor of Lagos State , Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr. Babafemi Hamzat on the re-affirmation of their victory by the election petition tribunal.

 

“We also congratulate all Lagosians and most especially members of the All Progressives Congress who worked painstakingly during the elections.

 

“The affirmation is an eloquent testimony to the free choice made by the overwhelming majority of voters of their preference for developmental , progressive, passionate , responsive and responsible governance over needless and risky experiments.

 

“Our unshakable belief that the petitions of our opponents amounted to mere academic exercise by sore losers was undoubtedly upheld by the verdict.

 

“The Lagos APC  wish to assure all Lagosians through our various elected and appointed representatives of our age long traditional service delivery in order to provide the desired dividends of democracy.

 

“May we now extend the olive branch to all and sundry, including our opponents to come on board  in order to move our dear state forward.”

 

Meanwhile, Tribunal Dismisses PDP, Labour Party Petition Against Sanwo-Olu,The announcement of this significant ruling was made by Justice Mikhail Abdullah while delivering judgment on the objections raised by the respondents in the case.

 

Tribunal Dismisses PDP, Labour Party Petition Against Sanwo-Olu     In a significant development, the Lagos Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has ruled to dismiss the petitions lodged by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

 

These petitions challenged the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the hotly contested March 18 governorship election.   Jandor, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, contested the outcome of the March 18 governorship election in Lagos state, contesting the wins of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

 

The announcement of this significant ruling was made by Justice Mikhail Abdullah while delivering judgment on the objections raised by the respondents in the case.   While the details of the judgment are yet to be released, the decision carries substantial implications for the political landscape in Lagos.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, can now breathe a sigh of relief following this tribunal ruling, securing their positions and validating the electoral process that led to their victory. Sanwo-Olu, Rhodes-Vivour

 

This judgment is bound to spark reactions across the state and could potentially have far-reaching consequences for political dynamics within Lagos. The PDP and Labour Party may decide on their next course of action, possibly taking the case to higher courts.

.Jandor, PDP reject judgement

 

The Lagos Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) has expressed his displeasure over the ruling of the Justice Arum Ashom-led 3 -man Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered Monday.

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.

In a statement by Gbenga Ogunleye, Head, Media and Communications

JANDOR4GOVERNOR Campaign Organization

he said 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” he said.

Also, In response to the recent judgment from the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, in which our party’s Governorship Candidate, Mr. Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, contested against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State regarding the 2023 elections, we wish to outline our forthcoming actions to the public.

 

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. Our party is steadfast in its dedication to serving the populace to the fullest extent should the opportunity arise.

.Gov. reiterates administration’s support for judiciary

.Says LASG’s commitment to judicial officers’ welfare second to none

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the judiciary in the State, saying his government’s commitment to judicial officers’ welfare is second to none.

He said his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for all judicial officers in the state in order for them to deliver their duties and responsibilities, without fear or favour.

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at a Thanksgiving Service held at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos to mark the commencement of the 2023/2024 New Legal Year.

Sanwo-Olu also called for continued collaboration between the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary in order to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and the rule of law to ensure that the state grows in leaps and bounds.

He said his administration is committed to completing all the ongoing court projects across the State for a robust and thriving judiciary in Lagos.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion (Church of Nigeria) Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, charged all judicial officers especially, judges and magistrates to always have fear of God while discharging their duties and responsibilities.

Okupevi, who advised the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba and other judges and magistrates to ensure justice is not delayed or denied, appealed to judicial officers to offer free legal services for the poor and downtrodden, maintain sanity, temper justice with mercy and allow peace to reign in Lagos State.

The Anglican Bishop also advised the judiciary on the need to decongest the Correctional Centres. He said the judiciary should always be upright in playing the role of watchdog to other arms of government.

Okupevi also appreciated President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s efforts to revamp the economy and appealed to the President to do more to ameliorate the suffering of the masses.

The Bishop prayed to God to give Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the strength, energy and grace to rule with equity, added that the Church is committed to empowering traders and the less privileged around the church premises.

The Thanksgiving Service was attended by serving and retired Judges, Magistrates, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), lawyers, Lagos State Government officials, religious and traditional leaders, among others.