The National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Lagos, has rendered a groundbreaking verdict, overturning the victory of Seyi Sowunmi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate who was initially declared the House of Representatives member for Ojo Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
The tribunal ruled in favor of Lanre Ogunyemi, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), establishing him as the rightful winner of the election held on February 25, 2023.
Chaired by Justice Abdullahi Ozegya, the three-member panel, which also comprised Justice Ashu Ewah and Justice Muhammad Sambo, found merit in the challenge posed by Ogunyemi.
A two-term state lawmaker and former secretary of the APC in Lagos, Ogunyemi had contested the outcome of the election, asserting that Seyi Sowunmi’s status as the Labour Party’s candidate was not in alignment with the necessary qualifications.
The tribunal’s verdict was unequivocal in acknowledging Ogunyemi’s assertion that Sowunmi lacked the requisite qualifications to stand for the elections.
Consequently, the tribunal invalidated Sowunmi’s votes and upheld that the second runner-up, Lanre Ogunyemi of the APC, should rightfully claim the victory for Ojo Federal Constituency.
The decision of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal resounds as a significant legal precedent, not only affirming the importance of adhering to the appropriate qualifications but also underscoring the integrity of the electoral process.
The shift in outcome underscores the tribunal’s commitment to ensuring that only duly qualified candidates ascend to positions of legislative representation, fostering a climate of accountability and fairness within the electoral landscape.
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