The Hamidu Kunaza-led three-man tribunal struck out the petition filed by Ladi Adebutu for being “incompetent”.
After an exhaustive 11-hour examination of the governorship election dispute between Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the three-member election petition panel delivered its verdict on Saturday. The panel, chaired by Hamidu Kunaza, upheld Governor Abiodun’s victory in the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Ogun State.
In a unanimous decision, the tribunal affirmed the legitimacy of Abiodun’s election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the petitioners had failed to substantiate their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court dismissed Adebutu’s claims on the grounds of “lack of merit” and officially recognized Dapo Abiodun as the duly elected Governor.
Justice Kunaza ruled that the accusations of corrupt practices, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, multiple instances of thumbprinting of ballot papers, ballot stuffing, and forgery alleged against Adebutu and his party were not substantiated beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Furthermore, he characterized the testimonies provided by the petitioners’ witnesses as “industrially manufactured, mechanically produced, and adopted” by them, deeming them “remarkably similar, too coincidental, and incredible.”
In attendance at the court to witness the tribunal’s verdict proceedings in support of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were notable figures, including:
- Ogun Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele
- Senator Solomon Adeola
- Senator Salisu Shuaib (Ogun Central)
- Senator Gbenga Kaka
- Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako
- Former Speaker of Ogun State Assembly, Hon. Titi Oseni-Gomez
- House of Representatives member, Hon. Tunji Akinosi
- Hon. Motunrayo Adeleye-Oladapo
- Former Woman Affairs Commissioner, Mrs. Funmilayo Efuwape
On the side of the petitioners, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s running mate, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, and Ogun PDP chairman Sikirulai Ogundele were also present in court, among others.