Sanwo-Olu: Akeredolu’s victory at s’court validates people’s mandate

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has described the ruling of the supreme court to uphold the victory of Rotimi Akeredolu in the last governorship election in Ondo state as a validation of people’s mandate.

Akeredolu’s victory was upheld in a majority judgment delivered by four of the seven-member panel of the supreme court on Wednesday.

The apex court dismissed the appeal by Eyitayo Jegede and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the grounds that it was incompetent.

In a statement released by Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman, the Lagos governor congratulated his Ondo counterpart on the supreme court victory.

Sanwo-Olu, who served as chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) committee on the Ondo state gubernatorial election, also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on the victory.

He urged residents of Ondo to unite for the continuation of good governance in the state.

“As democrats, we must submit ourselves to the tenets of democracy, which include post-election litigation,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“Today’s judgment has put paid to all insinuations and doubts about the resounding victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“I, therefore, call on all lovers of democracy, especially the people of Ondo State to come together for a continuation of good governance and the developmental process of Ondo, started by Governor Akeredolu from his first term of office.

“On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I congratulate my brother, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on his victory at the Supreme Court.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Akeredolu as the winner of the October 10, 2020 governorship election, having polled a total of 292,830 votes to defeat Jegede, who secured 195,791 votes.