Bankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, a House of Representatives hopeful and artiste, has expressed his gratitude following the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal, which ordered a rerun in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
In the February 2023 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the Labour Party’s candidate, Mr. Thaddeus Atta, as the winner with 24,075 votes, while Banky W and Ibrahim Obanikoro of the All Progressives Congress received 18,668 and 16,901 votes, respectively.
Subsequently, Banky W, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ibrahim Obanikoro filed petitions challenging the election results.
The tribunal, in its judgment on Monday, deemed the February election inconclusive and directed INEC to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where voting did not take place.
Appearing on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, Banky W expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to complete the election process. He described it as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the collective will of the people who want to contribute to the restoration of democracy.
Banky W highlighted the frustration of citizens who were unable to participate in the initial election and stressed the importance of ensuring that people are not denied their constitutional right to vote in a democracy.
He pointed out that over 30 polling units with nearly 30,000 eligible voters were prevented from voting, citing incidents of violence and voter suppression in certain areas, as well as the absence of INEC officers at some polling locations.
Banky W concluded by emphasizing the significance of the court’s decision to count every vote and allow every voice to be heard, regardless of the candidate people support.