New Twist In Sanwo-Olu’s Election: Appeal Court Delivers Fresh Decision

The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Abdulazeez Adediran (Jandor)…

He contended that the tribunal made a legal error by placing the burden of proof regarding the citizenship of Sanwo-Olu’s running mate, Obafemi Hamzat, on the appellant. Olagbade urged the court to interpret Section 182 (1) (a) of the Constitution regarding the disqualification of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy.

He stated, “We invite this court to provide a comprehensive legal interpretation of this matter. It is immaterial whose interests are affected.”

However, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the counsel for the Lagos State Governor, urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

He pointed out that the argument about dual citizenship raised by the appellant was not presented before the tribunal.

He stated, “They are now presenting a case of dual citizenship, as if this is a trial court. The tribunal discovered that the alleged oath of allegiance to a foreign country was not presented before it and, as such, ruled it out. We respectfully request your Lordship to dismiss this appeal.”

In the PDP’s petition, they sought the disqualification of both APC and Labour Party candidates, based on the provisions of Section 177(c) and 182(1)(j) of the constitution.

Olanipekun urged the court to dismiss this appeal as well, highlighting that the petitioners were unable to produce the original document from which exhibit P36 was allegedly counterfeited, thus weakening their case.