In a decisive ruling delivered today, the Court of Appeal in Lagos State unanimously dismissed the challenge against the election victory of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate. The case had been brought forward by Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A three-member panel, led by Yargata Nimpar, affirmed the tribunal’s judgment that had previously upheld Sanwo-Olu’s win in the March 11 election. This verdict comes after the Election Petitions Tribunal, on September 25, had also dismissed two petitions against the re-election of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Obafemi Hamzat.
During the November 7 hearing, Jandor, along with the PDP, presented 34 grounds of appeal, challenging the tribunal’s decision. Among the points raised was the assertion that the issue of disqualification of the election winner should be treated as both a pre and post-election dispute. Jandor emphasized the tribunal’s alleged error in categorizing it solely as a pre-election matter.
Despite the PDP and Jandor reiterating their request for the disqualification of both APC and Labour Party candidates, the Court of Appeal sided with the tribunal’s previous affirmation of Sanwo-Olu’s victory.
This marks a significant legal milestone, solidifying Governor Sanwo-Olu’s mandate and putting an end to the post-election legal challenges initiated by the opposition.
