It is not yet uhuru for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ogun State following the declaration of a governorship aspirant of the Party, Jimi Lawal, that he is still in court challenging the candidacy of Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Party.

Lawal, while reacting to a recent judgement of the Supreme Court in favour of Adebutu said the interlocutory suits were dismissed after withdrawal of same by the appellants.

In a statement signed by Austin Oniyokor, Project Director, Jimi Adebisi Lawal Campaign Organization, the governorship aspirants said the cases were dismissed because they were filed not by aspirants in the primaries that produced Adebutu.

As an aspirant, Jimi Lawal said judgment has been reserved by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the appeal filed by him against the judgment of the Federal High Court that was delivered on the 1st of December, 2022.

“At that sitting, the apex court directed that the interlocutory appeals should be withdrawn and advised parties to face the substantive appeals.

“Consequently, the interlocutory appeals were withdrawn and date for the hearing of the appeals was communicated to parties.

“When the appeals came up on the 24th January, 2023, the Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun-led five-man panel of the Supreme Court insisted on the withdrawal of the appeals, stressing that the position of the law is settled that it is only an aspirant who participated in a primary election that can challenge its outcome.

“This made the counsel to the Appellants to withdraw the appeals and same were consequently dismissed.

“Meanwhile, it should be noted that judgment has been reserved by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the appeal filed by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) - being an aspirant in the primary election - against the judgment of the Federal High Court that was delivered on the 1st of December, 2022.”

He appealed to all leaders and supporters of his aspiration to remain calm and focus on the issue saying the race is a marathon and not a sprint.

“We urge all our leaders, elders, supporters and the general public to remain calm and focus on the big picture. Like we have always said, the race is a marathon and not a sprint.

“By God's grace, we are hopeful that very soon the cause of justice will be served in the case filed by Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal being an aspirant who participated in the governorship primary election held on the 25th of May, 2022.”