Ladi Adebutu, the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the March 18 election, remains optimistic about reclaiming his mandate through the Supreme Court. Following the recent Appeal Court decision, where he secured a ‘minority judgement,’ he views this outcome as a pathway toward victory.
In a statement released by Afolabi Orekoya, Director of Media at the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Adebutu expressed confidence in the judiciary at higher levels, highlighting their consideration of the petition’s merits. He contrasted this with the lower court, which focused more on technicalities than the substantive merits.
Adebutu emphasized that the recent Appeal Court judgement favored his stance, with five out of eight issues resolved in his favor, one in favor of the respondents (Dapo Abiodun and APC), and two resolved with a 2:1 ratio. This, to him, signifies a positive trend toward justice acknowledging the petition’s substance.
He praised Hon. Justice Jane Inyang for her detailed and principled minority judgement, calling for other courts to emulate her example for the betterment of Nigeria’s democracy.
The judgement, which led to the removal of the incumbent Governor, instructed a rerun in 92 affected polling units within 90 days due to election malpractices. Adebutu emphasized that this ruling supports the electoral act, emphasizing the margin of lead rule and criticized the premature declaration by INEC in the March 18th Governorship election.
Adebutu urged stakeholders in Ogun State not to celebrate prematurely, asserting that the current situation is transient and unsustainable, as truth will ultimately prevail.
He called upon the people of Ogun State to acknowledge Hon. Justice Jane Inyang’s commitment to true justice and encouraged them to stand firm as the legal battle progresses, assuring them that the truth will triumph, and the people’s will shall prevail for the betterment of the state’s future.