By Sunday Ani
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has affirmed Hon. Seyi Sowunmi of the Labour Party (LP) as the duly elected member representing Ojo Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
In a judgment read by Justice Joseph Eyo Ekanem, the appeallate court set aside the judgment of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Lagos delivered on August 24, 2023.
Recall that the three-man panel tribunal led by Justice Abdullahi Ozegya sacked Sowunmi and declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lanre Ogunyemi, as the duly elected candidate of the election conducted on February 25, 2023.
Reacting, Sowunmi described the victory as a landmark, which reflected the unwavering and overwhelming support bestowed upon him by his constituents.
He noted that the impartiality and dedication to transparency exhibited by the judges was a testament to the prevailing will of the people. “This resounding victory is a shared achievement, encompassing the voices of every person in Ojo, who exercised their democratic rights by participating in the electoral process,” he stated.
Continuing, he said: “Your votes have spoken, and your voices have been heard. Today, democracy spoke, and its voice is resoundingly loud and clear.
As we embark on this new chapter of qualitative representation of our good people, the commitments I articulated during the campaign were not mere words; they serve as the guiding principles that will illuminate my tenure.
“This victory signifies a trust placed in me, and I am resolute in my determination to transform that trust into tangible advancements for our dear constituency. Looking ahead, I extend a heartfelt appeal to every resident of the Ojo Federal Constituency. Let us unite in pursuit of our common goals and shared vision.
“Integrity, accountability, and transparency, will be the cornerstones upon which we construct a constituency that flourishes through progress and inclusiveness.”