The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has upheld the victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress in the contentious November 11, 2023, governorship election.
The tribunal, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed the challenge brought forth by the Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, against Governor Ododo’s election, citing a lack of substantial evidence.
The election, which saw a turnout of 40.98%, was a pivotal moment for Kogi State, marking the end of incumbent APC Governor Yahaya Bello’s term due to term limits.
Ahmed Usman Ododo, previously serving as the Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State, secured the governorship with a decisive win.
His victory was not without controversy, as allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022, surfaced, leading to a legal battle that concluded with the tribunal’s recent ruling.
The tribunal’s unanimous decision highlighted the incompetency and inconsistencies in the witness evidence presented by the petitioners.
Furthermore, it concurred with the defense that the forgery allegations were a pre-election issue that should have been addressed within 14 days after the submission of the documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The election itself was a reflection of Kogi State’s diverse political dynamics, where the APC continued to hold sway following a trend set during the early 2019 elections. Governor Ododo’s campaign focused on development across key sectors, promising inclusive governance and prioritizing the welfare of the people.
Despite the tribunal’s ruling, the case had garnered significant attention since its commencement in December 2023, reaching a climax on May 13 when both parties adopted their final written addresses.
INEC, along with Governor Ododo and the APC, had called for the dismissal of the petition, deeming it incompetent and meritless. Their legal representatives, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, stood firm on this position.
On the other side, Murtala Ajaka’s legal counsel, Pius Akubo, SAN, implored the tribunal to reject the respondents’ arguments and to uphold the petition, a plea that ultimately did not sway the tribunal’s decision. The ruling has solidified Governor Ododo’s position and is likely to shape the political discourse in Kogi State as it moves forward under his leadership.
