POLITICS

JUST IN: Jandor Files 34 Grounds Of Appeal Against Tribunal On Sanwo-Olu’s Election Victory Verdict

Published

7 months ago

October 14, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

JUST IN: Jandor Files 34 Grounds Of Appeal Against Tribunal On Sanwo-Olu’s Election Victory Verdict

Abdul Azeez Olajide Adediran, commonly known as Jandor and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election in Lagos state, has officially filed a notice of appeal against the decision of the state election petition tribunal delivered on September 25.

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The notice of appeal, lodged on October 13 and spanning 38 pages with 34 grounds, listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Labour Party, and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour as respondents.

Led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Clement Onwuenwunor, Jandor’s legal team vehemently contended that the issue of disqualification of an election winner is both a pre and post-election dispute, criticizing the tribunal for treating it as a solely pre-election matter.

Jandor reiterated their plea for the disqualification of both APC and Labour Party candidates, emphasizing the inclusion of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, given the accusations against him. The PDP candidate underscored the need to invalidate Rhodes-Vivour’s candidacy due to alleged misconduct.

Moreover, Jandor argued that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s qualifications were founded on false A-Level WAEC certificates, calling for a review of the tribunal’s decision regarding the different names in the certificates presented by Sanwo-Olu.

Among several demands, Jandor sought a declaration that the votes obtained by Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, and the APC were wasted votes due to their disqualification and that Jandor, having secured the third highest number of votes and satisfied the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, is the validly qualified candidate for the governorship position.

The appeal further insisted on nullifying the Certificate of Return issued to Sanwo-Olu. It urged the court to immediately issue a Certificate of Return to Jandor as the duly elected Governor of Lagos State.

More details to follow as the case unfolds.