The Supreme Court has reaffirmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election.
The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, challenging Ododo’s declaration as governor.
The Supreme Court aligned with the Court of Appeal’s July 11, 2024, judgment, which resolved all four issues in favor of Ododo and the APC. The court held that Ajaka failed to substantially prove allegations of over-voting and certificate forgery against Ododo.
Thediscovererng.com reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had initially declared Ododo the winner with 446,237 votes, surpassing Ajaka’s 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 46,362 votes.
Ajaka’s petition to the tribunal sought an election overturn and a fresh poll in five local government areas. However, the tribunal affirmed Ododo’s victory, citing insufficient evidence from the petitioner.
The Supreme Court’s verdict upholds the integrity of the electoral process and reinforces Ododo’s mandate as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.
