JUST IN: Supreme Court Validates Dapo Abiodun’s Victory in Ogun Governorship Election

In a decisive ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court upheld the election of Dapo Abiodun as the Governor of Ogun State. Leading the five-member panel, Justice Tijjani Abubakar dismissed the appeal filed by Ladi Adebutu, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the previous elections.

“In the end, this appeal is unmeritorious and deserves to be dismissed. It is hereby dismissed,” declared Justice Abubakar.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Abiodun the winner in March 2023 with 276,298 votes. Ladi Adebutu secured 262,382 votes, while Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) trailed with 94,754 votes.

The PDP and Adebutu had alleged irregularities, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and corrupt practices by INEC during the election. They also claimed that more than 40,000 voters were disenfranchised due to disruptions by thugs in over 99 polling units.

Following the March 18 governorship election, the tribunal dismissed Adebutu’s petition in September 2023, confirming Abiodun’s victory. In November 2023, the appeal court, in a split decision, also upheld Abiodun’s election, with a minority ruling by Judge Jane Inyang suggesting a fresh election by INEC within 90 days.