Popular singer and federal legislative hopeful, Bankole Wellington, widely known as Banky W, expressed his elation on Wednesday following the Election Petitions Tribunal’s decision to order a rerun in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
He hailed this ruling as a miracle, granting him a second opportunity to vie for the seat.
In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate voiced his sentiments, saying, “For me personally, it’s a miracle in and of itself that we get another chance to finish the election. 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 tribunal’s judgement, delivered on Monday, invalidated the victory of Mr. Thaddeus Atta of the Labour Party, deeming the election inconclusive.
It directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a supplementary election within 90 days, specifically in 33 polling units where the election had not taken place.
Banky W and Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro (IBO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had filed petitions leading to this decision.
Banky W highlighted the frustration felt by many voters who were denied the opportunity to participate in the initial election, emphasizing the importance of preserving democratic rights.
He noted that over 30,000 voters were unable to cast their ballots due to various issues, including violence, voter suppression, and the absence of INEC officials at certain polling stations.
Recalling the events following the February 25 election, Banky W mentioned joining a large group of protesters at the collation center and expressed gratitude that the courts had ruled in favor of counting every vote and hearing every voice, regardless of party affiliation.
Earlier this year, Mr. Thaddeus Atta secured victory in the Eti-Osa legislative election with 24,075 votes, while Banky W and IBO garnered 18,668 and 16,901 votes, respectively.