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In a resounding victory for the governors of Ogun, Delta, and Nasarawa states, the Supreme Court of Nigeria today affirmed their seats, putting an end to doubts surrounding their electoral mandates.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State secured the affirmation of his election, as the appellants, Ladi Adebutu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), sought the apex court's intervention to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in 99 polling units where alleged cancellations occurred. The Appeal Court, Lagos Division, had earlier, on November 24, 2023, in a split decision, affirmed Abiodun's re-election. Justice Joseph Ikyegh, delivering the majority judgment, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
In the case of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emerged victorious as the Supreme Court dismissed appeals by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Ken Pella. The five-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, declared that Omo-Agege's appeal lacked merit, and the burden of proof placed on the appellant was not discharged. Pella's appeal was similarly dismissed for lack of merit. The court of appeal in Lagos had earlier affirmed Oborevwori's election as the governor of Delta State.
Additionally, the Supreme Court upheld the election of Abdullahi Sule as the Governor of Nasarawa State, dismissing the four appeals filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel David Ombugadu. In a momentous judgment, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun resolved all identified issues against the PDP and Ombugadu, declaring the appeals unmeritorious and subsequently dismissing them. This series of rulings solidifies the positions of these governors and marks a significant chapter in the legal battles surrounding their elections.
