Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark decision, the Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal has unequivocally affirmed the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, delivering a resounding victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and dismissing the petition of the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who had fervently challenged the legitimacy of Sanwo-Olu’s return to office.
This judgment, delivered by Justice Mikhail Abdullahi, has not only solidified Sanwo-Olu’s position but also set a significant legal precedent.
In the realm of Lagos State and its recent Election, Justice Abdullahi’s ruling was fundamentally grounded in a meticulous and exhaustive examination of the constitution, with a specific and unwavering focus on section 177. This particular section holds a pivotal role within the constitution as it intricately outlines the precise qualifications that an individual must meet to not only contest but also be elected to the prestigious office of Governor of a State.
Notably, it unequivocally stipulates that a gubernatorial candidate must satisfy certain prerequisites. These prerequisites encompass being a Nigerian citizen by birth, attaining a minimum age of thirty-five years, being an active member of a recognized political party, and possessing an educational background that extends at least to the level of a School Certificate.
Justice Abdullahi, the presiding judge, left no room for ambiguity in affirming that Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, categorically and comprehensively met each and every one of these criteria, as explicitly outlined in the constitution. This affirmation unequivocally established their eligibility to be elected as leaders of Lagos State. With an unwavering and resolute conviction, Justice Abdullahi emphatically declared, “After painstakingly considering the extensive evidence that has been meticulously presented before this honorable court, it is patently evident that Governor Sanwo-Olu emerged with the highest number of votes in the election.
Consequently, this petition stands devoid of any substantive merit and can be deemed ‘dead on arrival.’ Moreover, predicated on the compelling and irrefutable evidence that has been adduced, the grounds upon which the petitioner seeks the disqualification of the 2nd and 3rd respondents, namely Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat, are unequivocally lacking in substance. I hereby reaffirm Governor Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Hamzat as having been duly elected and officially declare them as the unequivocal victors in this election.”
It is imperative to underscore that this judgment was not a unilateral decision but rather one that resonated unanimously, as both Justices Arum Ashom and Igho Braimoh concurred with the assertion made by Justice Abdullahi. This unanimous concurrence served to fortify and solidify the overall verdict that emanated from the tribunal.
A Clear Election Verdict: Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat’s Eligibility in Lagos State
In the lead-up to this pivotal ruling, it is essential to note that the Tribunal had already dismissed an application that had been submitted by Jandor. This application was filed with the intention of seeking the disqualification of Governor Sanwo-Olu from the Lagos State Election. Jandor’s argument hinged on the contention that Governor Sanwo-Olu was ineligible to stand for election, asserting that his nomination and sponsorship by the APC in Lagos State were inherently flawed. Central to Jandor’s argument was a deep dive into the interpretation of section 134(1)(a) of the Electoral Act of 2022. However, Justice Abdullahi astutely clarified that this specific section did not pertain to the qualifications that are inherently necessary for the esteemed office of Governor. Rather, these qualifications had been unequivocally and comprehensively defined within the provisions of sections 177 and 182 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
Furthermore, the tribunal left no room for ambiguity as it emphasized its categorical lack of jurisdiction to delve into the intricacies and nuances of the APC’s primary election process, a process that had ultimately culminated in the candidacy of Governor Sanwo-Olu. To encapsulate this perspective, Justice Abdullahi eloquently stated, “In the realm of legal proceedings, only an aspirant who actively participated or a bona fide member of a political party possesses the requisite standing to raise objections or grievances concerning the outcome of the party’s primary election. A petitioner devoid of such standing can be likened to a mere busybody within the legal context of this matter.” This profound pronouncement by Justice Abdullahi stood as an integral and unassailable component of the overarching judgment that emanated from the tribunal.
Additionally, it is essential to highlight that the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, definitively announced that the verdict pertaining to the petition that had been submitted by the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, would be forthcoming at a later date. This announcement underscored the immense and far-reaching significance that was inherently associated with the ongoing election cycle within Lagos State.
Clarification on Electoral Act Section 134(1)(a)
In the original declaration that had been made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, representing the APC, had been officially proclaimed as the unequivocal and indisputable victor of the gubernatorial election. This proclamation was substantiated by the fact that Governor Sanwo-Olu had garnered an exceptionally remarkable tally of 762,134 votes. This resounding and resolute victory stood in stark contrast to the results achieved by his opponents, with Mr. Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party securing 312,329 votes and Jide Adediran of the PDP trailing behind with 62,449 votes.
Strengthening the Mandate of the People
As the profound and far-reaching implications of this landmark decision reverberate throughout the intricate and multifaceted landscape of Nigeria’s political milieu, it unassailably serves as a poignant and enduring testament to the indomitable strength and resilience that underpins the country’s democratic institutions. This unequivocal verdict reaffirms, without a shadow of doubt, the paramount importance of unwavering adherence to the provisions of the constitution in the unwavering and unflinching safeguarding of the integrity and sanctity of the electoral process within Lagos State. With the legal invincibility that now fortifies Governor Sanwo-Olu’s re-election, his mandate stands as an indomitable and indelible testament to the enduring will and resolute democratic principles that steadfastly underpin the intricate and dynamic fabric of Nigeria’s political landscape.
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