On Wednesday, the Appeal Court in Lagos upheld the election of Bassey Otu as governor of Cross River State.
The appellate court maintained the verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal on September 26 that upheld the election of Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Otu was proclaimed the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after receiving 258,619 votes and winning in 15 of the state’s 18 local governments, defeating his closest challenger, Senator Sandy Onor of the PDP, who received 179,636 votes.
Otu extended a hand of fellowship to his primary adversary, Onor, after receiving confirmation of his victory.
The governor expressed confidence in the outcome of the appeal, citing the fact that the electorate overwhelmingly supported him in the March 18 governorship election.
Otu pledged to serve the state and carry out his People First Agenda.
He encouraged the opposition to accept the ruling in good faith and work with him to move the state forward.
“The ruling of the Court of Appeal today is a welcome development and affirms that we were overwhelmingly voted in by the people on March 18, 2023.
“This ruling should bring an end to litigation on the outcome of the governorship election.
“For those in the opposition, especially my brother, Prof. Sandy Onor, I once again offer you a hand of friendship. Come and join my administration so that together we can move our state forward and bring about the dividends of democracy.”