Appeal court ruling: No victor, no vanquished

Following the appellate court judgement of Friday, October 27, 2023, on the 2023 House of Representatives election appeal case for Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, which affirmed my victory as the authentic winner of the February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I want to use this moment to describe the ruling of the appellate court as no victor, no vanquished.

The judgement is in the best interest of our democracy and much-cherished constituency; Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North. It is a win-win situation for everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

I recognise the support of our constituents before, during, and after the election, which gave us the mandate to serve. I equally appreciate the role played by you all in the just-concluded election petition matter, from tribunal to the appellate court. Your ability to stand firm in the face of adversity is pivotal to the verdict of the court, which just affirmed the mandate given to us on February 25 this year. Without your support, this wouldn’t have been possible.

As the election petition matter challenging our victory in the last election was brought to a conclusion yesterday, I humbly call for the support of all stakeholders, traditional rulers, teachers, community developers, artisans, and members of different political parties in the constituency to come together as one in order to move not just our constituency forward but our nation, Nigeria.

I want to emphasise once again that I will not renege on my electoral promises, which include but are not limited to employment opportunities, empowerment, complementing the efforts of the government at the state and local levels in ensuring qualitative education for the students in the constituency, infrastructural development, growth, impactful motions and bills that focus on common interests, and others.

I appreciate every member of my legal team who worked tiredlessly to make sure that justice prevailed and that the mandate given to us by the majority of the people of the constituency was not unscrupulously taken away.

On this note, I express my gratitude to the election petitioner, who was my closest rival in the February 25 National Assembly election, Hon. (Dr.) Saubana Ajibola Muraina, for seeking justice in a respectful manner. Such an approach goes a long way in strengthening Nigerian democracy, and his conduct has further demonstrated that Nigerian democracy is mature and the best form of government for the people of the country.

It is normal to seek justice, as that is the only way to move our dear country forward peacefully. I plead with all not to see the approach taken by the former lawmaker to nurse any form of acrimony that can endanger the development of our beloved constituency, though the idea that almost every Nigerian election is being determined in courtrooms is a subject of public importance that we must all come together to discuss and discourage.

I respect the ex-lawmaker’s strength and resilience; we ask for his support in this representation so as to achieve true development for the people of the constituency, and I believe this is one important thing he will not hesitate to do. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

My gratitude to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his immeasurable support before and during the election petition matter. Gov. Makinde’s leadership style of not leaving anyone behind in times of support was instrumental to the success recorded in court on Friday. He made sure that the will of the people of our dear constituency prevailed in court. We appreciate this show of support, and we do not take it for granted.

Also, I appreciate the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels and members of our dear party in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North for their unwavering support.

Adebayo Adepoju
MHR