Ogun: Appeal Court Affirms Abiodun’s Election… Dismisses Adebutu's Appeal

By Mo. Hanif

In a significant ruling, the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has affirmed the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18 poll in Ogun State. The court, in a majority judgment delivered by Justices J.S. Ikyegh and Muhammed Mustapha, dismissed the appeal brought by the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

The court deemed the appeal to lack merit, as it found no substance in the allegations put forth by Adebutu. It affirmed the earlier decision of the Tribunal without costs. The Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal had previously upheld Abiodun's declaration as the winner of the governorship election on September 30, 2023.

Seeking to challenge the judgment of the election petition tribunal, Adebutu filed an appeal at the appellate court. However, his appeal was dismissed in a majority decision of 2 to 1. Notably, the court stated that it is the responsibility of the petitioner to prove that an election was marred by corrupt practices, and Adebutu failed to provide sufficient evidence in this regard.

Furthermore, the court highlighted that the appellants did not substantiate their allegation of certificate forgery against Governor Abiodun. It also took note of the Tribunal's skepticism towards certain witnesses due to the consistency and demeanor of their testimonies. The court upheld the Tribunal's assessment, emphasizing that appellate courts generally do not interfere with such judgments.

Regarding the forensic experts' evidence, the court upheld the decision to expunge it from the proceedings. It further stated that the appellants' petition had significant flaws, rendering it ineffective and lacking the necessary foundation. Consequently, the appeal was deemed to have no legs to stand on.

With the Court of Appeal's ruling, Governor Dapo Abiodun's victory stands affirmed, solidifying his position as the democratically elected governor of Ogun State. This development brings clarity and closure to the contentious electoral dispute that has been ongoing since the March 18 elections.