Musician and House of Representatives hopeful, Bankole Wellington, known by his stage name Banky W, has expressed his deep appreciation for the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal.
The tribunal’s decision has set the stage for a rerun in the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State, marking a remarkable twist in the political landscape.
The backdrop to this ruling traces back to the February 2023 election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declared Mr. Thaddeus Atta, the candidate of the Labour Party, as the winner with 24,075 votes.
Banky W, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 18,668 votes, while Ibrahim Obanikoro of the All Progressives Congress (APC) garnered 16,901 votes.
In response to these election results, both Banky W and Obanikoro, determined to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, filed petitions challenging the outcome.
On Monday, the Election Petitions Tribunal delivered a significant judgment. They declared the February election inconclusive and mandated INEC to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days.
This supplementary election is slated for 33 polling units where voting did not take place as scheduled.
In a candid interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, Banky W shared his sentiments about this pivotal moment in his political journey. He described the opportunity for a rerun as nothing short of miraculous.
“For me personally, it’s a miracle in and of itself that we get another chance to finish the election,” he remarked.
He attributed this fortunate turn of events to the power of perseverance, faith, and the collective will of the people who aspire to contribute to the reconstruction of democracy.
Banky W emphasized the frustration felt by many individuals who were unable to exercise their voting rights during the initial election.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the electoral process, underscoring a fundamental principle of democracy.
Highlighting some of the key issues during the initial election, Banky W pointed out instances of violence and voter suppression in specific areas.
He also noted with concern that INEC officers did not show up at certain polling locations, further hindering the electoral process.
In closing, the 42-year-old politician expressed his deep gratitude that the court recognized the significance of every vote and every voice in the democratic process, regardless of one’s political affiliation.
This ruling undoubtedly offers a glimmer of hope for Banky W’s political journey.