The Appeal Court has dismissed a challenge against Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the Lagos State gubernatorial elections by the Labour Party (LP), and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
In a unanimous judgement on Tuesday, the court affirmed the lower tribunal’s decision that Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy were qualified to contest the March 18 polls won by the incumbent.
The LP and Rhodes-Vivour had appealed Sanwo-Olu’s victory on claims that he was unqualified for the election. But the Appeal Court ruled that the lower tribunal was right to reject those allegations.
The ruling puts to rest allegations against Sanwo-Olu’s candidacy over citizenship and tax payment issues. The LP’s legal efforts to nullify his reelection have now proven unsuccessful.
The justices held: “No case of renunciation of citizenship has been established by the LP and Gbadebo against the 3rd respondent (Hamzat) in accordance with the constitution.
“No evidence of oath of allegiance to the United States and renunciation of Nigerian citizenship was placed before the tribunal (by the LP and Gbadebo) –
“No document to prove that 3rd respondent (Hamzat) was no longer a citizen of Nigeria. It is incumbent on the appellants (LP, Gbadebo), to prove their claim.”
