Tribunal Affirms Gov. Abiodun’s Victory

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Ogun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has affirmed the election of Prince Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the duly elected Governor of the State.

At the end of the proceeding which lasted about 11 hours, the three – member panel, led by Justice Hamidu Kunaza, dismissed the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Chief Ladi Adebutu, challenging the victory of Dapo Abiodun in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

The PDP and its candidate, Chief Adebutu had petitioned the Tribunal, accusing the INEC, Governor Abiodun and the APC of non compliance with the Electoral Act and corrupt practices during the election, alleging that the governor did not win the majority of votes cast during the election.  

Justice Kunaza who read the lead judgment at about 8.15pm during the Tribunal sitting at Isabo, Abeokuta, held that the petitioners did not successfully prove the allegations of non compliance with the Electoral Act and had not discharged the burden of proof. 

Justice Kunaza maintained that the petitioners failed to prove beyond reasonable doubts, the allegations of non compliance, over voting, disenfranchisement of voters, non qualification of Prince Dapo Abiodun and corrupt practices during the polls.

In separate reactions, Counsels to the APC, Professor Taiwo Osipitan and that of the INEC, Dr Remi Olarubora said the indepth judgement was a landmark and the best history. 

Counsels to the petitioners declined to speak to newsmen as they made their way out of the venue with many party chieftains and supporters while the state deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako – Oyedele who thanked the people for standing firm with the present administration led those who thronged the court in support of Governor Abiodun and the APC.