Popular musician loses at Appeal Court
In a significant legal development, the Appeal Court has pronounced Thaddeus Atta, the Labour Party candidate, as the duly elected House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State. This decision comes after a period of electoral dispute and legal proceedings.
The controversy began when the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, located at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, declared the initial election for Eti Osa Federal Constituency inconclusive in September. The tribunal ruled that certain aspects of the election required further examination, mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a supplementary election within 90 days. The focus of the supplementary election was to cover 33 polling units where voting had not taken place.
This legal battle encompassed notable personalities, including Bankole Wellington, a well-known Nigerian singer and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), widely recognized as Banky W. Banky W had been declared the runner-up in the February 2023 election. The other prominent candidate involved in this dispute was Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, on Tuesday, the Appeal Court made a decisive ruling by overturning the directive of the tribunal. The Appeal Court declared the elections conclusive, settling the prolonged electoral dispute. Thaddeus Atta emerged as the victor in the Eti Osa Federal Constituency election, thereby securing the House of Representatives seat. This legal resolution has notable implications for the representation of the constituency in Lagos State.
The outcome of this legal process underscores the intricate nature of electoral disputes in Nigeria and the significant role of the judiciary in determining the final results of elections. Thaddeus Atta’s victory in Eti Osa Federal Constituency adds to the broader context of political developments in the nation.
