Following the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the Lagos State gubernatorial election, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has expressed his reaction to the outcome.
The apex court, on Friday, upheld the decision of the election petition tribunal and the Court of Appeal, confirming Governor Sanwo-Olu’s election. Justice Garba Lawal, who delivered the lead judgment, dismissed the appeal filed by Rhodes-Vivour and the Labour Party, citing a lack of merit.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision, Rhodes-Vivour took to his official social media handle on Friday to convey his sentiments, describing the ruling as both sad and shocking. He highlighted his concerns about the precedent set by the court, emphasizing the potential implications for leaders holding multiple allegiances.
In his post, Rhodes-Vivour expressed worry about the Supreme Court’s decision, suggesting that it establishes a precedent allowing a governor or president to have allegiances to states other than Nigeria and still hold a position of authority. He particularly noted the concern about leaders with potential conflicts of interest and loyalty, raising questions about the implications for future generations.
The LP governorship candidate stated, “There is no Liberal Democracy that will accept to be led by an individual who has sworn an oath of allegiance to another country.” He concluded his statement by acknowledging the court’s decision while expressing his concerns about the potential impact on citizens’ trust in their leaders.
The Supreme Court’s verdict has brought an end to the legal challenge against Governor Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election.
