The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clarified how the candidate of his party, Hope Uzodinma was declared the winner of Imo State governorship election by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sacked the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Emeka Ihedioha as the Imo State governor and declared Uzodinma as the duly elected governor of the state.
A seven-man panel, in its decision held, that Ihedioha did not win a majority of votes cast at the March 9, 2019 governorship election.
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The judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, held that the candidate of the APC won on grounds that he polled a majority of the lawful votes cast at the election.
On Wednesday, Tinubu, in a statement, said the Court’s decision was a victory for truth and justice in Nigeria.
He said:
“Foes of justice and democracy had engineered a plot by which the improper and wilful exclusion of over 200,000 valid votes cast for Uzodinma would deny him the office the people of Imo had chosen him to fill. The wrongful exclusion of such a vast number of valid votes threatened to turn the Imo governorship election into an unfortunate rejection of the sovereign will of the electorate.
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“It was imperative that this injustice be corrected and in line with its responsibility, the Supreme Court carefully reviewed the case. Recognising the obvious impropriety and unfairness of the exclusion, the apex court objectively and impartially ruled in favour of the people and in support of democracy.
“The Supreme Court prudently and judiciously rose to the occasion as the defender of our constitution by rendering the only judgment that could protect the democratic rights and the collective will of the people of Imo State.
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“This decision underscores the role of the courts in safeguarding democracy and bolsters public faith in the integrity of our judiciary to fulfil this vital mission.
“Yesterday’s decision proves that the Court has both impartiality and the integrity to pursue justice and follow the evidence wherever it may lead.
“I commend Senator Uzodinma for his determination in pursuing this case to the end and applaud his faith that the judicial system will ultimately restore justice.
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“Where others might have given up, he continued relentlessly in his pursuit of justice. His perseverance has now been rewarded with the restoration of his mandate. In effect, Imo’s new governor lived up to his very name, Hope. Indeed, Hope never gave up hope.
“The Supreme Court has now spoken. Its decision is final. Therefore, there is nothing to be gained from speculation or second-guessing. The time has come for the people of Imo to unite and work towards a brighter future under Senator Uzodinma.
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