On Friday, the Supreme Court declared Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Lagos State.
Justice Inyang Okoro, leading a five-member panel, delivered a unanimous judgment dismissing two separate appeals filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Abdulazeez Adediran (Jandor) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These appeals challenged Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the March 18th gubernatorial election in Lagos State.
Rhodes-Vivour raised concerns about Sanwo-Olu’s eligibility, questioning whether he could contest the election due to his Deputy and running mate, Obafemi Hamzat, having dual citizenship.
The appellant alleged that the Deputy Governor had acquired citizenship in the United States of America (USA).
Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal, delivering the lead judgment, stated that there is no law preventing a Nigerian citizen by birth from enjoying their status, rights, and privileges, even if they acquire citizenship in another country through naturalization.
