14th September, 2023
House of Representatives candidate, Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, has welcomed the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal ordering a rerun in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate said it was a miracle that he is offered a second chance.
“For me personally, it’s a miracle that we get another chance to finish the election,” said Banky W, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“I think it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the power of faith, and the collective will of the people who want to participate in the rebuilding of this democracy.”
The judgement delivered on Monday nullified the victory of Mr Thaddeus Atta of the Labour Party, declaring the election inconclusive.
It ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where elections did not hold.
The ruling followed petitions filed by Wellington who emerged as runner-up and Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“People were really frustrated that they didn’t get a chance to participate in that election. And I think that’s important,” Wellington, a singer, said.
“It’s an important thing for our democracy that people are not prevented from exercising their constitutional rights to participate in an election.”
The 42-year-old decried that there were over 30 polling units with “almost 30,000 voters” who were ready to vote but were prevented from exercising their franchise.
The musician-turned-politician cited instances of violence and voter suppression in certain areas.
He said INEC officials did not show up at some voting locations.
“I am particularly grateful that the courts decided that every vote deserves to be counted and every voice deserves to be heard, regardless of who you’re voting for,” he said.
Atta scored 24,075 votes in the Eti-Osa House of Representatives election to emerge as the winner. Banky W scored 18,668 votes and Obanikoro 16,901 votes.
Reported by Channels TV.