Tribunal Has Given Me Back My Mandate —Obanikoro

Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, son of the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, has said that the tribunal has given him back his mandate and he is going to exercise patience because he has all the evidence needed to keep the mandate.

The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate in the 2011 general election who said this during an interview with Political Platform added that his party would study very well all the developments that will follow the tribunal’s judgement which restored his mandate to him.

“Since our opponents believe that they still have legal means they want to explore, we will be preparing for them. However, we are ready to commence all the necessary processes that will usher us into office so that we can begin to put our programmes in place to better the lots of the people.”

Speaking on his fear during the judgement process, he said it was actually a mixed feeling, adding that from the outset, he has been confident that the decision of the tribunal was going to be in his favour.

“My confidence was boosted when the respondent was unable to present any evidence against our claims. However, as the proceeding progressed, I started having some fears. Things took a new twist when the tribunal dismissed the case of the two councillors. I was also fighting for their mandates to be restored.

“I became more scared when the case of the PDP candidate in Badagry Local Government whom I thought also had a good case was dismissed. But despite all the doubts, I was still confident that we will have victory.

“The struggle is not just about me, but rather, a collective effort of my party, my supporters and my campaign team. We had a strong team on ground at the court. I’m highly impressed that the tribunal could upturn LASIEC’s decision to declare my opponent winner in the election when it was so obvious that I was the actual winner.”

Speaking on the view that he rode on his father’s name to gain political relevance, he said: “Of course, I can’t deny that fact. But I must also say that it is one thing to see the opportunity, it is another thing to make good use of it. It is obvious that my dad had built a big name in Lagos politics which I am building on today. But on the other hand, it places a big responsibility on my shoulders.

“I have a big task of living up to the name and also do better. I, however, thank God for blessing me with good parents who have always been there for me.”

—Yisa Jamiu