Bankole Wellington, a candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party running for the Eti-Osa House of Representatives seat in Lagos State, has expressed his joy over the tribunal’s most recent decision regarding his case.
The Labour Party’s Thaddeus Atta’s election triumph as the legitimately elected representative for the Eti Osa Federal Constituency was annulled last Monday by the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, which was in session in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos State.
In its decision, the tribunal determined that the elections were inconclusive and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to hold a new election in all polling places where voting was not possible within 90 days.
Both the candidate for the All Progressives Congress, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, who finished second in the February 2023 election, and Banky W filed challenges contesting the results.
Atta received 24,075 votes, while Banky W and Obanikoro received 18,668 and 16,901 votes, respectively, according to the electoral umpire.
In response to the tribunal’s ruling, Banky W expressed his happiness in a Tuesday interview with Arise TV, emphasizing that people who were purportedly denied the right to vote in the prior election now have the chance to do so.
“I am grateful that the tribunal agreed that every voice deserves to be heard and every voice deserves to be counted when it comes to the subject of electoral processes,” he said.
“Voter suppression, intimidation, and violence occurred in several locations, and when INEC officers visited those locations, no ballots were present.
According to our estimations, around 29,000 persons were unable to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
“I’m pleased that the panel thought our case had validity. People who had their rights denied now have another chance.
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