In a significant ruling, the State and National Assembly Appeal Court in Lagos affirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship election. The unanimous decision saw the dismissal of appeals by Tonye Cole (APC), Beatrice Itubo (Labour Party), Innocent Ekwu (Allied People’s Movement), and Lulu Briggs Dumo (Accord Party).
The court held that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. It also criticized the tribunal for dismissing Tonye Cole’s appeal based on the withdrawal of the petition by APC, emphasizing that Cole could pursue his appeal independently.
This ruling marks a crucial moment in the legal challenges surrounding the governorship election, solidifying Governor Fubara’s victory. Further details on the court’s decision are expected to follow.
