‘This petition is dead on arrival,’ Lagos tribunal on Jandor’s petition against Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat

The Lagos Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Olajide Adediran, aka Jandor, against the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

The tribunal also upheld the election of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.

The tribunal declared that Sanwo-Olu and his deputy are qualified to contest the March 18 governorship election in the state under section 177 of the Constitution.

Justice Mikhail Abdullahi while delivering judgment in the petition, noted that they are members of political parties and educated up to school certificate level.

He said, “Section 177 of the Constitution stipulated that ‘A person shall be qualified for election to the office of governor of a state if: (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least a School Certificate level or its equivalent.’ We have considered the evidence before this court. He has the highest number of votes.

“This petition is dead on arrival in view of the evidence adduced before the court, the grounds on which the petitioners are seeking disqualification of 2nd and 3rd respondents lack merit. I have found Gov Sanwo-Olu and deputy Hamzat duly elected and therefore declared the winner.”

Both justices Arum Ashom and Igho Braimoh concurred.