On Monday, the Labour Party, LP, and its gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, filed an election petition against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat of Lagos State.
The LP and Rhodes-Vivour are contesting Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat’s victory in the gubernatorial election held on March 18.
Hamzat’s ability to run for office is also being contested.
They said he gave up his Nigerian citizenship and swore loyalty to the United States instead.
The petition now includes the APC as a named defendant.
Fuad Ade-Oki, Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, testified as a defence witness.
As evidence, he presented the tribunal with a nomination form and oath signed by Hamzat obtained from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Included are a “Declaration of Result,” “Summary of Results from Local Government Areas,” and a “Summary of Results from Registration Areas.”
Witnessing Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat fill out the INEC Form EC9 including their personal information and oaths they took on nomination forms, Ade-Oki testified on behalf of the APC, led by lead counsel Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN).
According to him, the oaths were administered in the Ikeja High Court Registry.
He further stated that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat signed their oaths and paid the required amount for the nomination paperwork.
“The two documents with no 003960120 and 00408841 contained the same facts and reflected the same receipt number,” he explained.
The witness then provided the oath declaration page of Form EC9 and the receipts to APC’s counsel as proof.
Mr Idowu Benson, lawyer for LP, argued that they should not be admitted.
Benson stated he would not be giving his reasons until his closing statement.
The court presided over by Justice Arum Ashom provisionally admitted the documents till the time for hearing objections came up.
The panel let Ade-Oki go after hearing his testimony.
Banire then declared that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were dropping the charges against them.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate