Seyi Sowunmi, a member of the Labour Party (LP) who represents the Ojo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has declared his intention to keep representing his constituents despite being dismissed by the Lagos-based National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal.
On Thursday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Sowunmi the winner of the Ojo Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
In its ruling on the case submitted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Olanrewaju Ogunyemi, a three-person panel chaired by Justice Abdullahi Ozegya agreed with the petitioner that Sowunmi was ineligible to run for office.
As a result, the tribunal recognized Ogunyemi, a two-term lawmaker from the state and a former secretary of the APC in the state, as the legitimate winner of the election held on February 25, 2023.
But in response, the federal legislator said in a statement on Friday that he understands the anxiety that his election’s annulment would bring about for his supporters.
While acknowledging that the tribunal’s judgment was demoralizing, Sowunmi reassured his followers that he would keep upholding the mandate given to him.
Additionally, he pledged to take all appropriate legal action to resolve the matter.
“I would like to take this opportunity to address the most recent developments in our election tribunal lawsuit against the APC to the respected inhabitants of the Ojo Federal Constituency.
We are in a difficult situation, as you are aware, and this is not what we had hoped for.
“I want you to know that I fully understand any worry that this may have sparked in those of us who support our cause.
“In difficult times, it’s essential that we remain unified and strong.
“Because of our common beliefs and our faith in a better future for Ojo, we set out on this adventure together. Despite how demoralizing the tribunal’s ruling is, I want to reassure you that I will continue to carry out the duty you have given me, he said in a statement on Friday.
“This setback won’t change my resolve to serve every person of the constituency and work for Ojo’s improvement. In order to resolve the situation and make sure that our views are heard, we will pursue every legal option open to us.
“I sincerely appreciate your effort, and I thank you for your support and belief in our cause, which have been the motivation behind my campaign. Let’s approach this circumstance with composure and clarity. Although we have gone a long way, our trip is not yet over.
“I urge you to continue promoting the principles that have helped us get this far while remaining active, optimistic, and involved. We will overcome this obstacle as a team and come out stronger.
“Once more, I want to thank you for supporting me. Let’s maintain our composure and keep striving for the better future that Ojo deserves,” Sowunmi concluded.