The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the verdict of the Lagos Election Petition Tribunal, which favored the All Progressives Congress.
This information was conveyed in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Monday.
The tribunal, presided over by lead Judge, Justice Arum Ashom, deliberated for approximately 10 hours before dismissing two petitions challenging Sanwo-Olu’s win in the election held on March 18, 2023, as conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The petitions were submitted by Dr. Olajide Adediran of the People’s Democratic Party and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, who were Sanwo-Olu’s primary contenders.
Responding to the tribunal’s decision, Sanwo-Olu expressed his viewpoint, stating that it was “Well thought-out and detailed.”
He emphasized that the judgment reinforces the fact that his election reflected the will of the people.
Furthermore, he noted that the court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s dedication to upholding principles of equity and justice.
He said: “I am glad to announce the information I have just received that Lagos Election Petition Tribunal judgments have been given in our favor. 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 conclusions they gave today. We thank the judges for their firm commitment to the 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 judgment 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.
He emphasized that the verdict has revitalized his administration’s commitment to delivering on all the pledges made to the people of Lagos State during his campaign.
“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 judgment has allowed us to double up our interventions to ensure that we continue to deliver quality dividends of democracy to our citizens.”
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu appealed to Olajide Adediran of the People’s Democratic Party and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party to gracefully accept the tribunal’s decision and exhibit a sportsmanlike spirit.
“I still want to allow opposition parties’ candidates that contested against us to join hands with us if they share the same passion and commitment that we have to serve. We are ready to sit with them and have a conversation about what ways they can channel their ideas in the development of the State. Lagos is big and its challenges are real, while its opportunities are boundless. There is always room for everybody to contribute,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Nevertheless, the Governor emphasized that the State Government will refrain from holding any celebratory events for the tribunal’s judgment. He asserted his intention to channel his efforts into the duties of governance.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the party is welcome to arrange events for Lagosians to commemorate the court victory.