November 4, 2024

Supreme Court Deliberates Ogun Gubernatorial Dispute, Upholding Electoral Integrity

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In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, challenging the outcome of the March 18 governorship election in Ogun state, which resulted in the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Adebutu’s appeal seeks to nullify Governor Abiodun’s re-election, citing alleged non-adherence to the Electoral Act of 2022, corruption, and issues of non-qualification. The apex court’s five-member panel, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, declined to hear cross-appeals from the APC and INEC, emphasizing its commitment to the main appeal filed by Adebutu.

The PDP and Adebutu aim to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which upheld Abiodun’s victory. Despite dissenting opinions at the lower court, the Supreme Court’s focus remains on the main appeal, with the expectation that its decision will have a decisive impact on the contested election outcome.

During the hearing, legal representatives presented their arguments, with Chris Uche, counsel for the appellants, asserting that INEC’s declaration of Abiodun as the winner was unlawful. On the other hand, Abiodun Owonikoko, representing INEC, argued for the dismissal of the appeal, emphasizing that elections are determined by the spread of votes rather than the margin of lead.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, counsel for the second respondent, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal challenging the concurrent decisions of the lower courts. The case revolves around the alleged irregularities during the governorship poll, and the Supreme Court’s judgment holds the key to resolving the electoral dispute in Ogun state.

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