For the umpteenth time, the attention of the Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO) has been drawn to posts and reports that the Supreme Court has dismissed the cases challenging the nomination of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu as the the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun state.
This was the same piece of news that our friends went to town with about a fortnight ago (precisely on the 11th of January, 2023). The question to ask is: can the Supreme Court dismiss an appeal in the same case twice?
On that occasion, we did state that contrary to the false narrative peddled by the purveyors of lies, the Supreme Court has not heard let alone dismissed the substantive appeals filed by Taiwo Olabode and other delegates (not Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal) against Adebutu’s nomination.
At that sitting, the apex court directed that the interlocutory appeals should be withdrawn and advised parties to face the substantive appeals.
Consequently, the interlocutory appeals were withdrawn and date for the hearing of the appeals was communicated to parties.
When the appeals came up today (24th January, 2023),
the Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun-led five-man panel of the Supreme Court insisted on the withdrawal of the appeals, stressing that the position of the law is settled that it is only an aspirant who participated in a primary election that can challenge its outcome.
This made the counsel to the Appellants to withdraw the appeals and same were consequently dismissed.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that judgment has been reserved by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the appeal filed by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) – being an aspirant in the primary election – against the judgment of the Federal High Court that was delivered on the 1st of December, 2022.
We urge all our leaders, elders, supporters and the general public to remain calm and focus on the big picture. Like we have always said, the race is a marathon and not a sprint. By God’s grace, we are hopeful that very soon the cause of justice will be served in the case filed by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal being an aspirant who participated in the governorship primary election held on the 25th of May, 2022.
Thank you and God bless!
E-Signed
Austin Oniyokor
Project Director
Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization (JALCO)
24th January, 2023.
