Supreme Court affirms Obaseki’s victory, dismisses Ize-Iyamu’s appeal

Yesterday, the Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen dismissed the appeal by the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. It maintained the election of Governor Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Consequently, the apex court affirmed the simultaneous verdicts of the Court of Appeal in Benin City and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had earlier dismissed Ize-Iyamu’s case and upheld Obaseki’s victory. Yesterday, the lead judgments in both the interlocutory and substantive appeal were prepared and delivered by Justice Iyang Okoro.

According to Justice Okoro: “After careful consideration of all the arguments and processes filed by parties in this matter, I am of the firm view that this appeal is devoid of merit and deserves an order of dismissal and accordingly the appeal is hereby dismissed.” The judgment was unanimous.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court said it will give reasons why it validated the election of Obaseki on July 24. In the meantime, Ize-Iyamu released a statement to congratulate Obaseki for his victory and to also thank his supporters for being there for him all these while. Governor Obaseki, on the other hand, described the Supreme Court verdict as victory for democracy and urged the PDP to join hands with the state government to move the state further if “actually they have the genuine desire to serve the people.”

 

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