APC chieftain hails Abiodun over tribunal victory

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, on Sunday congratulated Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, after the state election petitions tribunal upheld his victory in the March 18 governorship poll.

The chieftain also congratulated his deputy, Noimot Oyedele-Salako, the state chapter of APC and the people of Ogun State on the victory.

Abiodun’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission was upheld by the tribunal on Saturday.

Delivering the 11-hour judgment, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Hamidu Kunaza, said the petitioner, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the election, Ladipupo Adebutu, and his party failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

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Adebutu had asked the tribunal to quash Abiodun’s victory for not complying with the Electoral Act of 2022, corrupt practices and for not being qualified to have contested the 2023 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Bankole described the judgment as a revalidation of the people’s mandate to continue the ‘Igbega Ipinle Ogun’ agenda of Abiodun’s administration till 2027. The APC chieftain also admonished the governor’s critics and members of the opposition to work toward delivering the dividend of democracy to the people.

He said, “This judgment has again deepened our nation’s jurisprudence and reinforced our commitment to democratic values. As true democrats, we must embrace the tents of democracy which also encompass post election litigations. The State Election Petition Tribunal has delivered justice. Now is the time to unite for the progress of Ogun State.

“I urge the opposition to sheath their swords and join hands with our Governor to develop our dear Gateway state. The tribunal verdict should be accepted in good faith by all lovers of democracy. Our commitment to advancing Ogun State must be anchored on prioritising our collective progress above personal vendetta.

“Since our collective vision is shaped by our passion for a prosperous Ogun State, let us, therefore, embrace the will of the people and support the Governor Dapo Abiodun in delivering on his Igbega Ogun mandate.

“Let us desist from all divisive politics and comments, by ensuring that no individual’s ambition should endanger the progress of Ogun State which is the priority of Governor Dapo Abiodun since inception. Again, congratulations to His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun and Noimot Oyedele-Salako.”