In the wake of his triumph in the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended an invitation to the opposition party to collaborate with him in advancing the development of the state. He emphasized that, having failed in their attempt to overturn his governorship victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission on March 20, 2023, it is time to work together for the betterment of Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun attributed his Tribunal victory to the grace of God and the unwavering support of the state’s residents. He expressed his commitment to redoubling his efforts in serving them more effectively.
During a reception held on Saturday night at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, the state capital, Governor Abiodun commended the three tribunal judges for delivering a meticulous, diligent, and transparent 11-hour judgment. He described this ruling as a historic moment for both the state and the nation.
Abiodun asserted that he had never harbored any doubts regarding the affirmation of his hard-earned victory. He expressed his unwavering trust in the Almighty God, citing his tireless efforts and extensive campaign across every corner of the state as contributing factors to his success.
“We earned it, we deserved it, you are all a testimony of our triumph, tenacity, resolved, and determination. I want to thank all the good people of Ogun State who voted me in and all other well-wishers for your prayers, good wishes, and support throughout this period.
“We were never in doubt that our hard-earned victory would be affirmed as we placed our trust in God, having worked the hardest campaigning in every nook and cranny of Ogun State. We won fair and square, we earned it and deserved it. You are all a testimony of our triumph of tenacity and of our resolve and determination.
“Want to appreciate the judiciary, particularly the 3 tribunal judges led by Justice Kunaza for not just dispensing justice but doing so transparently, diligently and thoroughly,” Prince Abiodun said.
The governor thanked his legal team whom he described as “very experienced, learned and respected lawyers” for their professionalism, as well as the APC leaders and party members for their unwavering support and for believing in him.
While extending the hands of fellowship to the oppositions and the petitioners, Governor Abiodun called on them to join hands with his government to develop the State, emphasizing that having exercised their fundamental human rights at the tribunal, it was time to leave the past and work for the betterment of the people.
“This is a victory for democracy, victory for rule of law and judiciary, a victory for our great party APC and victory for Ogun State.
“We hope the petitioners/distractors having failed to buy the election and failed to buy judgement in the pretense of exercising their fundamental rights and lost will now in the spirit of patriotism congratulate and join hands with us in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
The governor promised to work for the betterment of the state, even as he reiterated the commitment of his government to spread development to all parts of the state.
He said: “We are committed to the irrevocable implementation of our vision through our ISEYA mantra for the wholesome development of our state. I will remain fair, just, equitable and inclusive.
“I again reiterate that no part of this state will be developed at the expense of another. I will be the Governor of all. We have three years and eight months left to fulfill all our electoral promises made in the course of the campaign.”
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Yemi Sanusi, said the victory would propel the governor to work more to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Sanusi said, “With this victory, you have been vindicated that you have the support of Ogun electorate. This victory calls for celebration but we will celebrate by buckling up to deliver more dividends of democracy in all parts of the State.”
