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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the March 18 election, Ladi Adebutu, to drop any intention of taking his case to the Supreme Court.
Abiodun, who made the call while speaking on Channels Television programme, ‘Sunday Politics,’ urged Adebutu to join hands with him to take the state to a greater height.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos had in a 2 to 1 split judgement last Friday affirmed Abiodun as the duly elected governor of Ogun State.
The appellate court had in the majority judgement delivered by Justice Joseph Ikyegh dismissed Adebutu’s appeal.
But the minority judgement delivered by Justice Jane Inyang upheld the appeal and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election in 92 polling units within 90 days.
Reacting to the judgement on Saturday, Adebutu had expressed optimism, asking Abiodun not to rejoice yet, adding that he will retrieve his mandate at the Supreme Court.
However, the governor said he was not entertaining any fear of losing at the Supreme Court, stressing that he only wants to concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ogun State.
“I’m not worried. So far, six judges have ruled on this matter, and five have ruled in my favour. Why would I be worried that one judge did not rule in my favour.
“The judge was recommending a rerun in 92 polling units. In Ogun State, we have 5,045 polling units, if you calculate for yourself, what percentage of 5045 polling units is 92 polling units? So why would I lose sleep on this minority judgement?
“ThIs Appeal Court affirmation presents another electoral victory for me and my party. This would be the third time that we would be winning an election again. The first time was March 18, the second time was at the tribunal and the third time was at the appellate court.
“We see this as a victory, not just for democracy; we see it as a victory for the rule of law and the judiciary and even democracy in the judiciary where two judges ruled in our favour and dismissed the suit and one judge dissented.
“We only hope that our opponent will now desist from running from pillar to post, shopping for favourable judgement from one court to the other.
“If they really mean well for the state, they must appreciate now that there is someone in that saddle. They should come and join hands with us and let’s build the future of Ogun State together,” Abiodun said.
