The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the election of Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
The court dismissed the appeal filed by Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the state’s November 11, 2023, governorship election.
In its judgement, the court said Ajaka failed to prove the allegations of irregularities in the conduct of the election beyond a reasonable doubt.
In reaction to the judgement, the commissioner for information and communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, hailed the Appeal Court’s “sound” judgement.
Speaking to journalists, he said the governor will remain unwavering in his faith in the judiciary.
His words: “Today’s judgement represents echoes of our November 11, 2023 victory. We campaigned round the state and worked hard to reassure the people that our party is the most reliable to take the state forward.
“November 11 will continue to be remembered in Kogi State as the day that Kogites across the Senatorial Districts united to speak with one voice, birthing a resounding victory for the incumbent Governor.
“Today’s verdict has offered another great opportunity for those who lost at the poll and in the courts to join the Governor in moving the state forward”.
Fanwo said the court case did not in any way slow governance down, as the Governor has continued to “roll up his sleeves and deliver democracy dividends to the great people of the State.
“The jubilation that greeted the verdict affirming the victory of the Chief Servant of Kogi State demonstrates the triumph of the people’s will,” he said.
After the judgement was delivered, the SDP candidate urged his supporters to remain calm, as he would be challenging it at the Supreme Court.
He said irregularities and manipulations influenced the outcome of the petition he filed with his party against the election before the Court of Appeal.
In a statement made available to newsmen after the appellate court’s judgement dismissing his appeal for lacking in merit, Ajaka said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal and added that the journey to reclaiming his stolen mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate Court.
He said, “We must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is, and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices inflicted upon us once again,” he said.
He called on all his supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of “this disappointment and injustice.
“We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means,” Ajaka stated.
