An aggrieved governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal on Thursday vowed to challenge before the Court of Appeal, the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja which dismissed his suit on the disputed ticket.
The governorship aspirant in a quick reaction to the dismissal of his suit explained that he received the Abuja court’s verdict with a mix feelings.
His position on the judgment of Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo was contained in a statement issued by his campaign organization.
The statement signed by Mr Austin Oniyokor, the Project Director of the organization read in part “The Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) received with mixed feelings the news of the judgment just delivered this Thursday by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in respect of the governorship primary election of the Ogun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held on the 25th of May, 2022.
“Although the judgment went against the issues, facts and the law, we are comforted by the fact that our judicial system allows for appeal to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
“We do intend to exercise our right of appeal without any delay. We are strong in our resolve to test the Constitution of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its Guidelines for Primary Elections and the Electoral Act, 2022. If for nothing else, it will help to deepen our jurisprudence and democracy.
“Flowing from the above, our legal team are taking steps to appeal the judgment immediately.
“While we go through the judicial process, we wish to urge our faithful delegates, party members, supporters, leaders and elders to remain resolute and steadfast, knowing full well that though the wheel of justice grinds slowly, it is steady and sure. No matter how long it takes, the truth shall prevail!”, the statement said.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court on Thursday in Abuja had earlier in the day affirmed the nomination of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu as the lawful candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in next year’s governorship election in Ogun State.
Justice Ekwo in affirming the nomination of Adebutu by his party held that the plaintiff, Mr Jimi Adebisi Lawal failed to prove that the PDP breached his own laws in the selection of its flag bearer for the March 11, 2023 governorship poll.
According to the Judge, Lawal failed to provide reliable and credible evidence to support his case of electoral malpractice.
Justice Ekwo accordingly dismissed the suit for being incompetent and lacking in merit.