The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, dismissed the case brought before it by the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, Hon. Abdulkabir Akinlade, against the governor of Ogun State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Dapo Abiodun in the last governorship election.
In a unanimous decision the Appeal court justices said the appeal "lacks merit and it is therefore struck out."
Reading the lead judgment, Hon. Justice Muhammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma disclosed that the 10 grounds filed by the Allied Peoples Movement challenging the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun has no merit and that the two appellants - Akinlade and the APM - are overruled because of lack of merit.
"The respective objections raised by the two respondents are overruled and the emotions have no remit, answers to them are sustained and the two motions are dismissed, " he said.
Reacting, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Yemi Sanusi said that the judgment has said it all, adding that the party will be well prepared to defend its mandate if the need arises for it.
"The judgment says it all, in this part of the world, nobody accepts defeat. We will not be surprised if they move from here to the Supreme Court and we are ready; anytime they want to see us, they will meet us there," he said.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the All Progressives Congress and Governor Dapo Abiodun, Barrister Wale Habeeb Ajayi, appreciated the court for delivering the judgment in good time, saying that the judgment has shown that Dapo Abiodun is the governor of Ogun State by lawful votes.
Ajayi added that all the complaints about non-qualification as a result of delivering false affidavit was not applicable and allegations were seen to be frivolous by the court.
"We must appreciate the court for delivering the judgment in good time. Elections have been held and a winner emerged and we must learn to accept defeat in all circumstances. There was no reason why we should be in this appeal. But thank God the court of appeal has delivered its judgment in favour of the respondent and have equally confirmed that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the governor of Ogun State by lawful votes.
"That all the complaints about non-qualification as a result of delivering false affidavit are not applicable, in other words, those allegations are frivolous and the court has so passed," he said.
The Director General, Dapo Abiodun Campaign Organization (DACO) and former deputy governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun said that the election was one that was well fought for by the people, adding that with the court judgment, the governor who has started well will now be more relaxed to do the job of governance better.
The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly. Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo noted that the judiciary has played its role the way it should be played, adding that the judgment will aid the governor to continue with the good work it has started in the state.
Also, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) congratulated Governor Abiodun on his victory, describing him as a "cat with nine lives."
NANS in its reaction through the National Public Relations Officer,
Adeyemi Azeez which was made available to The Daily Crucible, the body said Abiodun has secured once more, the "mandate freely given to him by the people of Ogun state."
"This victory is an evidence of God's interest in the life of Prince Dapo Abiodun haven won about 10 pre and post election court cases.
To this end, we appeal to both parties to come together and work for the betterment of Ogun state since Ogun should be the collective interest of all and sundry.
"Most importantly to the Governor, we enjoin you to stretch a hand of fellowship to the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Abdulkabir Akinlade and other members of the party since you all belong to the same party.
"Honestly, for the betterment of even our education sector among other sectors there is need for the shedding of sword from both parties.
"From all of us in the students constituency, we congratulate the Governor and other members of the APC family and we pray that the lord shall give you the wisdom to pilot Ogun state to the path of success and greatness," Adeyemi said.
From Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
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