•APC congratulates Lagos gov
•Winner reiterates support for judiciary, extends hand of fellowship to opponents
Segun James and Wale Igbintade
The Lagos Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, yesterday, dismissed the petitions brought by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and the Labour Party (LP), and Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the March 18 governorship election.
Jandor had contested the results of the March 18 governorship election in Lagos State, challenging the victory of Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Justice Mikhail Abdullah announced the decision while delivering judgment on the objections raised by the respondents in the case.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat on the re-affirmation of their victory by the election petition tribunal.
This was as Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of judicial workers in the state.
The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Seye Oladejo said it congratulated 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 wishes 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,” it said.
Sanwo-Olu, however, 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.
The governor, who said this yesterday, at a Thanksgiving Service held at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, to mark the commencement of the 2023/2024 New Legal Year, 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 was committed to completing all the ongoing court projects across the state for a robust and thriving judiciary in Lagos.
Specifically reacting to the tribunal judgement read by Justice Arum Ashom, Sanwo-Olu, joined by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the verdict as “well thought-out and detailed,” noting that the court decision further affirmed judiciary’s commitment to principle of fairness and justice.
The governor, who said there was no victor or vanquished, dedicated the judgement to all residents of the state, whom, he said, had stood by his administration through the electoral journey.
Sanwo-Olu noted that his re-election was tough, but said the voices of Lagosians were heard loud and clear at the polls, resulting in his landslide victory.
“I am glad to announce the information I have just received that Lagos Election Petition Tribunal judgements have been given in our favour. 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 conclusion they gave today. We thank the judges for their firm commitment to principle of fairness and justice.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu, however, extended his hands of fellowship to his opponents, urging them to display spirit of sportsmanship and accept the verdict of the tribunal in good faith.
The Governor invited candidates of the PDP and LP to come join hand with his government and channel their passion to causes that would take the State to the next phase of development.
