Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Rhodes-Vivour says Labour won Lagos guber poll; vows to challenge results declared for Sanwo-Olu

He added that the abuse of power by the ruling party and electoral officials is a “slap on the face of democracy” and Lagosians who decided to partake in the election.

• March 19, 2023
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The governorship candidate of Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has promised his supporters that he would challenge the results of the gubernatorial election in Lagos state.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, Mr Rhodes-Vivour said he is saddened by the “reports of violence and gross disenfranchisement of voters” that came out  to perform their “civic duty.”

He added that the abuse of power by the ruling party and electoral officials is a “slap on the face of democracy” and Lagosians who decided to partake in the election.

“Firstly, I would like to thank all Lagosians, especially our supporters for coming out to vote yesterday for us. I’m convinced that with you in our corner, a NEW Nigeria is imminent,” Mr Rhodes-Vivour tweeted on Sunday.

“However, I am saddened by the confirmed reports of violence and gross disenfranchisement of voters who only wished to perform their civic duty. 

“Attacks on polling units, voters, and our party agents are totally antithetical to what we stand for & what Lagos truly represents.

“Collusion between the ruling party and electoral officials to return the candidate of the APC is a slap on the face of democracy and everyone who came out to vote for us on Saturday.” 

Mr Rhodes-Vivour insisted that the results released by INEC do not represent the wishes of the voters in Lagos.

He challenged the result, declaring that he won the election based on results gathered by LP party agents on the field and situation room. 

“In the light of this, I am convinced beyond any doubt that the results being released by INEC do not represent the wishes of majority of peaceful Lagosians,” Mr Rhodes-Vivour said.

“More so the results from our field agents and situation room indicated that we won this election.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour added, “I am a champion of the people, we are far from done. Do not lose hope, do not waver. This is not over, we have not come this far to accept outright lies, criminality & falsehoods. A fight for FREEDOM is never easily won.

“Every vote cast for me was done in the face of intimidation and risk of personal harm. Every such vote must count. 

Defending every one of those votes is a sacred duty. I will defend your votes – this is my vow to every LP voter.” 

While voting counting is still ongoing at the INEC collation centre in Yaba, Lagos, Mr Rhodes-Vivour has won Amuwo-Odofin local government among 20 local areas in Lagos where election results were collated.

On his part, Mr Sanwo-Olu has won 17 LGAs which include Ikeja, Somolu, Oshodi-Isolo, Kosofe, Ojo, Badagry, Epe, Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Agege, Ibeju-Lekki, Surulere and Mushin. 

The State Collation officer, Adenike Oladiji, announced that the result of Eti-Osa LGA will be read out by 6:30 pm while vote counting is still ongoing in 10 polling units at Victoria Garden City, Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

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