ABUJA, Nigeria — In a resounding victory for democracy and rule of law in Nigeria, the Supreme Court, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, affirmed the election of Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the Governor of Osun State.
This landmark judgement follows an earlier decision by a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Mohammed Shuaibu. The panel had previously upheld Adeleke’s election, thereby nullifying the judgement of the election petition tribunal, which had controversially voided Adeleke’s victory in January of this year.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the immediate-past governor of Osun State, had lodged a petition challenging the legitimacy of Adeleke’s victory, leading to a prolonged legal battle that finally culminated in today’s Supreme Court ruling.
“Justice has prevailed. This is not just a win for me, but for every citizen of Osun State and indeed for democracy in Nigeria,” Governor Adeleke said after the judgement was announced. “Our mandate, given to us by the people, has been preserved by the highest court in the land.”
The case drew considerable attention, domestically and internationally, due to its potential implications on Nigeria’s electoral integrity and the rule of law. The final judgement of the Supreme Court signals a robust commitment to uphold the democratic choice of the people and adds another layer of assurance to electoral justice in the country.
Mohammed Shuaibu, the presiding judge of the appellate court, highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling: “This judgement underscores the importance of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. It sends a clear message that the will of the people, expressed through the ballot box, cannot and should not be subverted.”
This ruling brings to a close one of the most intensely watched electoral disputes in Nigeria, with potential far-reaching implications for the political landscape of the country. It is a reaffirmation of the power of democracy, and a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s evolving judicial system.
