The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeal challenging the victory of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in the March 2023 election.
Justice John Inyang Okoro, who led a five-man panel of the Supreme Court, after taking arguments from counsel in the appeal announced that a date for judgment would be communicated to parties in the matter.
Recall that in November 2023, a split decision at the Court of Appeal in Lagos upheld Abiodun’s victory against the wish of his challenger, Ladi Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Court of Appeal verdict delivered by Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh dismissed Adebutu’s petition in a 2-1 split decision. However, the dissenting judge, Habeeb Abiru, disagreed with the majority.
In the March 2023 election, Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious. Adebutu, however, contested the results, alleging irregularities and electoral malpractices.
His initial challenge at the Ogun Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in September was unsuccessful, with the tribunal dismissing the petition as lacking merit. However, Adebutu appealed to the Court of Appeal and then on to the apex court.
More to follow…
