The Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has affirmed the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun,l of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 18 poll.
The three-man panel, in the judgement read for over 11 hours, dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu for ‘lack of merit’.
The tribunal headed by Hamidu Kunaza submitted that the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a unanimous decision by the panel, the court dismissed Adebutu’s decision for “lack of merit” and affirmed the second respondent (Dapo Abiodun) as duly elected governor as declared by INEC.
The court also held that Abiodun was qualified to stand as the candidate of his party and his subsequent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election.
The court also held that Governor Abiodun was qualified to stand as the candidate of his party and his subsequent announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the election
The tribunal held that the allegations of corrupt practices, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, multiple thumb printing of ballot papers, ballot stuffing, and forgery as alleged by Adebutu and his party were not proved beyond any reasonable doubt.
He also described the testimonies of the witnesses brought by the petitioners as “industrially manufactured, mechanically produced and adopted” by them, thereby “proven to similar, too coincidental and unbelievable.”
On the allegation of certificate forgery levelled against Abiodun, the Tribunal held that the petitioner failed to prove the criminal allegation beyond reasonable doubt by providing a witness from the United States of America (USA) to testify that the second defendant (Abiodun).
In striking out the allegation of vote buying and corrupt practices, the tribunal held that the allegations were two inseparable twins for which the petitioner has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt.
The court also held that the allegation of certificate forgery and arrest and detention of Abiodun in 1986 were pre-election matters which ought to have been determined 14 days before the election.
“The Tribunal rules that the petitioners have failed to prove any of the grounds of the petition and thus are not entitled to any of the reliefs sought. The petition fails and is dismissed.”
Governor Abiodun reacts to tribunal judgement
Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun has reacted to the judgement of the election petition tribunal which affirmed his victory at the March 18 poll.
The governor commended members of his party, supporters, as well as the people of the state for the successes recorded.
“Your collective efforts, perseverance, and belief in our cause have contributed to our success. Whether you were a part of our dedicated campaign team, a loyal supporter, or a volunteer who selflessly contributed time and energy, your contribution has been invaluable.”
“I am truly humbled and grateful to have individuals like you standing beside me. Your unwavering faith in our shared vision for a better Ogun State continues to inspire me. I am committed to the progress, development, and well-being of all our citizens, and together, we will work tirelessly to achieve these objectives.”
“As we celebrate this victory today, let us not forget the significant responsibility that lies ahead. We must remain steadfast and committed to the promises we made to the people. Our focus should now shift towards unity, progress, and inclusive governance that will benefit all residents of Ogun State.”
