POLITICS

Appeal Court Upholds Sanwo-Olu’s Victory: Dismisses LP’s Rhodes-Vivour Case

Published

5 months ago

November 15, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Appeal Court Upholds Sanwo-Olu’s Victory: Dismisses LP's Rhodes-Vivour Case

In a significant legal development, the Appeal Court in Lagos has dismissed the appeal lodged by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, challenging the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the March 18 election for the Office of the Governor of Lagos State.

The Appeal Court, sitting unanimously, affirmed the decision of the lower tribunal, which declared Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as qualified to contest, contrary to the claims of the LP and Gbadebo.

The court’s ruling emphasized that the lower court was correct in its determination and held: “No case of renunciation of citizenship has been established by the LP and Gbadebo against the 3rd respondent (Hamzat) following the constitution.

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No evidence of an oath of allegiance to the United States or renunciation of Nigerian citizenship was placed before the tribunal (by the LP and Gbadebo). There is no document to prove that 3rd respondent (Hamzat) was no longer a citizen of Nigeria. It is incumbent on the appellants (LP, Gbadebo) to prove their claim.”

This decision follows the earlier dismissal of the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Olajide Adediran, challenging Sanwo-Olu’s declaration as governor. The justices held that the appellants failed to substantiate their allegations of forgery and non-qualification against Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

The court’s resolute stance reinforces the legitimacy of Sanwo-Olu’s victory and affirms the electoral process. As legal battles unfold, the political landscape in Lagos State is poised for stability under Sanwo-Olu’s continued leadership.