On Sunday, Tolu Bankole, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress and the National Working Committee, extended his congratulations to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. This congratulatory message came after the state election petitions tribunal upheld Abiodun’s victory in the governorship election that took place on March 18.
Bankole also conveyed his congratulations to Abiodun’s deputy, Noimot Oyedele-Salako, as well as the Ogun State chapter of the APC and the people of Ogun State in light of this victory.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had initially declared Abiodun as the winner of the election, and the tribunal reaffirmed this decision on Saturday. In delivering the lengthy 11-hour judgment, the Tribunal Chairman, Hamidu Kunaza, stated that the petitioner, Ladipupo Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and his party failed to sufficiently prove their case.
Adebutu had petitioned the tribunal, alleging that Abiodun’s victory was tainted by violations of the Electoral Act of 2022, corrupt practices, and Abiodun’s alleged lack of qualifications to contest the 2023 governorship election in the state.
In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Bankole characterized the tribunal’s judgment as a reaffirmation of the people’s mandate to continue with Governor Abiodun’s “Igbega Ipinle Ogun” agenda until 2027. The APC chieftain also called on the governor’s critics and members of the opposition to collaborate in delivering the benefits of democracy to the people.
He remarked, “This judgment has once again strengthened our nation’s legal system and emphasized our dedication to democratic principles. As true proponents of democracy, we must embrace the processes of democracy, which include post-election legal challenges. The State Election Petition Tribunal has dispensed justice, and now is the time for unity for the advancement of Ogun State.”
Bankole encouraged the opposition to set aside their differences and work together with Governor Dapo Abiodun to foster the development of Ogun State. He urged that the tribunal’s decision be accepted in a spirit of goodwill by all supporters of democracy. He emphasized that their commitment to the progress of Ogun State should prioritize collective advancement over personal vendettas.
In conclusion, Bankole called for unity and support for Governor Dapo Abiodun in fulfilling his mandate to advance Ogun State, urging everyone to refrain from divisive politics and comments. He underscored that the priority should be the progress of Ogun State, and he reiterated his congratulations to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Noimot Oyedele-Salako.
