The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, challenging the results of the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election. In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel of the apex court affirmed the victory of Usman Ododo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajaka had sought to void the election results, alleging irregularities and urging the court to overturn Ododo’s win. However, the Supreme Court panel rejected Ajaka’s arguments and upheld the legitimacy of the election process, thereby confirming Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.
Reacting to the judgment, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP presidential candidate, expressed his disappointment. “I am saddened by today’s judgment of the Supreme Court against the SDP in the Kogi governorship election. We have highlighted the pitfalls of our democracy and let posterity be the judge. A petition that has no error can only be filed in heaven with God Almighty. We march forward!” Adebayo said.
This ruling brings an end to the legal contest over the governorship election, solidifying Ododo’s position as the state’s leader as determined by the voters in the November election.
