Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his delight at the recent judgment handed down by the Lagos Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed his victory as the governor.
The verdict, delivered after a comprehensive 10-hour session, saw the dismissal of the petitions challenging Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the tribunal’s decision as “well thought-out and detailed,” highlighting that it underscored the legitimacy of his election as the choice of the people.
The petitions were filed by Dr. Olajide Adediran of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party, who were the primary contenders challenging Governor Sanwo-Olu’s victory.
In his response to the tribunal’s ruling, Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded the judiciary for its unwavering commitment to fairness 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.”
The Governor further emphasized that the judgment had reinvigorated his administration’s dedication to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Lagos State during his election 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,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu extended an olive branch to his political rivals, Dr. Olajide Adediran and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, urging them to accept the tribunal’s verdict gracefully and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with opposition candidates who share the same passion for the development of Lagos State.
“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,” Governor Sanwo-Olu asserted.
However, he clarified that the State Government would not host celebratory events in response to the tribunal’s judgment. Instead, Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed his dedication to the responsibilities of governance while permitting the APC party to organize events for Lagosians in commemoration of the court’s verdict.
