The All Progressives Congress on Monday celebrated the affirmation of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo’s election victory by the Kogi State Elections Petition Tribunal.
This decision, made in Abuja, confirms Ododo as the legitimate winner of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo’s victory had been challenged by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, who sought to nullify the election results. Ajaka’s petition was based on allegations of irregularities that he claimed affected the election’s outcome. However, a three-member panel of Justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed Ajaka’s petition.
The tribunal ruled that Ajaka failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate his claims, as required under section 135 of the Electoral Act. The panel concluded that the alleged irregularities were not significant enough to impact the entire election.
Following the tribunal’s decision, the APC issued a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
The party hailed the judgment as a positive development and extended its gratitude to its supporters and the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support throughout the legal proceedings.
The statement read, “We congratulate Governor Ododo on his victory at the election petition tribunal. And we thank our teeming members, supporters and the good people of Kogi State for their steadfast support during the legal process in defence of our electoral victory.
“We commend the judiciary for its professionalism and commitment towards strengthening our democracy. Governor Ododo’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal is a solid affirmation of the popular mandate handed to him and our Party by the Kogi electorate.
“Buoyed by this victory, we assure that the Governor will devote himself to consolidating on good governance of the confluence state and justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate.”