SaharaReporters earlier reported that Nigeria's apex court on Friday upheld the election of the governor as earlier ruled by the election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal in the state.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court that affirmed his election as the governor of Lagos State.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Nigeria's apex court on Friday upheld the election of the governor as earlier ruled by the election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal in the state.
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party had challenged the election of Sanwo-Olu.
The Labour Party candidate on October 7, 2023, filed 21 grounds of appeal challenging the decision of the State Governorship Tribunal which upheld Sanwo-Olu’s reelection.
In a judgment delivered by a three-man panel – Justice Yargata Nimpa, Justice Samuel Bola, and Justice Paul Bassey, the Appeal Court affirmed the tribunal’s verdict on the re-election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Lagos State respectively.
But ruling on the appeal challenging the election at the Supreme Court, the apex court also dismissed the appeal filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, challenging the re-election of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy.
Reacting to the judgement in a statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, "I’m grateful for the Supreme Court's affirmation of my election as Governor of Lagos State."
He described the judgement as an affirmation that "revalidates the trust and confidence" the people of Lagos State placed "in our vision for a greater Lagos. Thank you all for your unwavering support."
The governor, however, invited people in the opposition to join the train of progressive governance in the state, noting that "there are no victors and no vanquished".
He said, "I invite those still on the fence to join our train of progressive governance. We run an inclusive government and do not claim a monopoly of ideas.
"Obafemi Hamzat and I are privileged to have been elected to serve at this auspicious moment in the history of our state. Let's continue working together to build a Lagos that thrives, progresses, and uplifts every resident.
"The journey continues, and our commitment remains steadfast."