Tension grips members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State as the Court of Appeal in Lagos prepares to announce its decision on the appeal filed by PDP’s Ladi Adebutu against Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The court, which heard the appeal on November 14, had reserved its judgment, heightening the anticipation and anxiety among political circles.
This development follows the dismissal of the initial petition by the Justice Hamidu Kunaza-led tribunal on September 30, where the PDP and Adebutu failed to substantiate claims of over-voting, rigging, and non-compliance in the election. Dissatisfied with the tribunal’s ruling, Adebutu and the PDP sought redress at the Court of Appeal, leading to the recent hearing on November 14.
During the proceedings, legal representatives for Governor Abiodun, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) strongly urged the dismissal of the appeal, arguing that it lacked merit and was overly ambitious.
The 3-man panel of justices, led by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh, heard compelling arguments from both sides.
Notably, the issue of 49,000 disenfranchised voters became a focal point, with INEC’s counsel, A.J. Owonikoko SAN, asserting that the appellants failed to call all disenfranchised voters as witnesses.
The defense emphasized that the court cannot extrapolate the claims to 49,000 witnesses based on the 48 witnesses presented by the appellants.
Counsel to the 2nd Respondent, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, drew parallels with a recent Supreme Court decision, Atiku v. INEC, arguing that it encapsulated the issues in the current appeal. He highlighted key findings of the Trial Tribunal that the appellants did not challenge, further asserting that certain grounds of appeal had been abandoned.
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As the court prepares to deliver its judgment, both parties have mobilized, with members leaving Ogun State for Lagos to witness the crucial verdict.
