Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate for governor in Lagos State, has disagreed with the tribunal’s decision upholding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the election.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Rhodes-Vivour said that the tribunal’s justices had committed a legal error, adding that their conclusion implied that a clear constitutional clause governing the electoral process had no significance.
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He also stated that he was prepared to proceed to the appeals court to request redress.
The statement read, “Having carefully listened to the judgment of the Honourable Judges of the Tribunal, we believe they, like the learned jurist quoted above stated, have erred in law. The judgment of the Tribunal suggests, erroneously in our view, that a clear constitutional provision in the electoral process has no meaning.
“While the disappointment and concern that have arisen from this particular judgment may run deep, we would like to assure our teaming supporters that this verdict is certainly not the final word on the matter. It is just one step in a larger legal process.
“Our democracy is built on the principles of justice, accountability, and the rule of law, including an appeal process that exists to ensure that mistakes by judges are reviewed by appellate courts.
“The outcome at the Tribunal will not in any way diminish our faith and confidence in the Nigerian Judiciary, rather it will strengthen our resolve to keep working with other patriots to bring about a new set of empathetic leadership that will create economic opportunities for Lagosians to fully realise their God-given potentials.
“As we all know, democracy is the cornerstone of any free and just society. It is the voice of the people, and it is through this process that we express our will and choose the leaders who will guide our communities and our nation. Yet, it is also a process that demands our vigilance, our resilience, and our unyielding faith in its sanctity.
“The essence of democracy lies not only in our ability to vote but also in our capacity to defend the integrity of that vote. Consequently, our laws allow Governorship candidates to challenge the decisions of the Electoral Tribunals at the Court of Appeal, and up to the Supreme Court.
“In the light of this, my lawyers have been instructed to appeal this judgment, as we remain confident of getting substantial justice at the appellate courts.”
