Nigeria Lagos Tribunal Hands Sanwo-Olu Victory: PDP and Jandor's Petition Thrown Out

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has upheld the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor. In a unanimous judgment, the tribunal ruled that the PDP's petition lacked merit and was therefore dismissed.

The tribunal first addressed preliminary objections raised by the parties, affirming its competence and jurisdiction to hear the petition. It then considered the issue of the validity of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Obafemi Hamzat's nominations by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The tribunal cited relevant constitutional and electoral provisions, as well as previous cases, concluding that this was a pre-election matter unrelated to the conduct of the polls.

Regarding the alleged forged certificate presented by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the tribunal noted inconsistencies in the petitioner Jandor's testimony. Jandor admitted he did not attend the school mentioned on the certificate and failed to call the school's principal or staff as witnesses.

The tribunal ultimately held that the petition lacked merit and affirmed Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the duly elected governor of Lagos State. Parties were ordered to bear their respective costs. The tribunal was expected to reconvene to deliver judgment on the Labour Party's petition.