Supreme Court Puts Judgment on Hold in Kogi Gubernatorial Election

A five-man panel of the Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the Kogi governorship election appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Ajaka had challenged the declarations made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the 2023 governorship elections.

He had appealed the judgment of a three-member tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor of the state.

However, after the Appeal Court judgment in June, Ajaka alleged that the judgment was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.

While delivering judgment, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He also said the journey to reclaiming his 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 justice 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 that have been inflicted upon us once again.”