 candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, had dragged Ambode, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to the […] "Pin It")
NIGERIA: LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that the judgment of the Appeal Court in his favour has vindicated his victory in the April 11, 2015 governorship election.
His main challenger, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, had dragged Ambode, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to the tribunal alleging election irregularities and urged the tribunal to void the victory.
But, the tribunal, presided over by Justice Mohamed Sijaro had on July 1, 2015 struck out the petition of Agbaje, and upheld Ambode’s election, but the dissatisfied PDP candidate headed to the Appeal Court to upturn the decision.
The tribunal, while throwing the petition to the garbage for lack of competence, directed Agbaje to pay N50,000 compensation to each of the respondents.
The higher court, however, on Wednesday ruled in favour of the governor, saying he was duly elected as successor to ex-Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Ambode, who expressed joy over his triumph at the tribunal, said that the judgment was a clear indication of the mandate given to him by the electorate.
“The decision of the Appeal Court is a further testimony to the affirmation of our victory by the Tribunal and a vindication of the mandate of the people as expressed in the April, 11 2015 election,” the governor spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.
“With the Appeal Court decision, I think it is time for us to put electioneering matters and its attendant issues behind us,” Ambode said, adding: “Our victory at the polls had earlier been adjudged as fair and square, the Tribunal confirmed this and now the Appeal court has upheld that decision. Isn’t it time for our opponents to sheath their swords.”
The governor added: “I have never for once doubted the outcome of the polls. We had one of the most gruesome campaigns that took us across the length and breadth of the state.
“Our party’s strides over the last 16 years were also a scorecard that Lagosians voted for. I have consistently maintained my administration’s desire to work with every Lagosian, no matter the party.”
