The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld the victory of Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, in the March 18 election.
The appellate court, in a split decision on Friday, dismissed the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the contested election.
The majority decision, delivered by Judge Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, affirmed Abiodun’s victory.
However, in a minority decision, Judge Jane Inyang ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct a fresh election within 90 days.
This comes after the Ogun governorship election petition tribunal in September upheld Abiodun’s victory, unanimously declaring Adebutu’s petition as “incompetent, defective, and lacking in merits.”
Responding to the judgment, Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude, stating that the Court of Appeal verdict validates the mandate given to him by the people during the election.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to the state’s development and thanked the people for their unwavering support.
Abiodun sees the court’s decision as not only affirming the authenticity of the mandate but also showcasing the strength of unity among the people.