Supreme Court upholds Ododo’s victory, dismisses Ajaka’s appeal
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.
The apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, delivered its final verdict on August 23, 2024.
The case in question began when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election.
Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating Murtala Ajaka, who secured 259,052 votes, and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 46,362 votes.
Ajaka and the SDP filed a petition challenging the election results, alleging forgery, irregularities, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
They sought a court order for a fresh election in five local government areas.
However, the tribunal dismissed their petition, ruling that the evidence provided was insufficient to prove claims of electoral fraud or forgery.
The appeal court, reviewing the tribunal’s decision, also upheld Ododo’s victory.
Ajaka’s legal team then petitioned the Supreme Court to increase its panel to seven judges, arguing that the lower court’s decision should be overturned and that Ajaka should be declared the winner.
READ ALSO: I have not given up legal battles with Ododo – Yakubu Ajaka
In its ruling, the Supreme Court rejected these requests, with INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), arguing that Ajaka’s appeal lacked merit. Agabi highlighted that the petitioners had failed to substantiate their claims of an invalid election.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous judgment confirmed the lower courts’ decisions, affirming Ododo’s victory and dismissing Ajaka’s appeal as lacking in merit.
This ruling reinforces Ododo’s position as Kogi State Governor, succeeding Yahaya Bello. Ododo previously served as the Local Government Auditor-General in Kogi State.
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