The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Dapo Abiodun as the Governor of Ogun State, dismissing the appeal filed by Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The judgment was delivered on Friday by Justice Tijjani Abubakar, who led the five-member panel.
Abubakar declared the appeal as “unmeritorious” and stated, “In the end, this appeal is unmeritorious and deserves to be dismissed. It is hereby dismissed.”
The legal battle traces back to the March 2023 gubernatorial elections when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Dapo Abiodun the winner with 276,298 votes.
Ladi Adebutu, the PDP candidate, secured 262,38 votes, and Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) came in third with 94,754 votes.
In response to the outcome, the PDP and Adebutu approached the tribunal, alleging irregularities, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and corrupt practices during the election.
They also claimed that the election was marred by disruptions by thugs in over 99 polling units, leading to the disenfranchisement of more than 40,000 voters.
However, the tribunal dismissed Adebutu’s petition in September 2023, affirming Abiodun’s victory.
Subsequently, the appeal court, in November 2023, upheld the tribunal’s decision, solidifying Abiodun’s election.
With the Supreme Court’s recent affirmation, the legal challenges surrounding the Ogun State gubernatorial election have reached their conclusion, confirming Dapo Abiodun’s position as the duly elected governor.
