After a five-month-long court session, the Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja has affirmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 2023 governorship election. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the election held on November 11, 2023, defeating his rival, Ajaka, with a wide margin.
Election Petition Dismissed
Dissatisfied with the election results, Ajaka and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed a petition to the election tribunal seeking to invalidate the Certificate of Return issued to Ododo. However, the tribunal, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed the petition, describing it as “bereaved of substance” and “full of inconsistencies.”
The tribunal concluded that Ajaka failed to prove his allegations that Ododo did not secure the highest number of valid votes cast and that the election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Final Rulings
The tribunal found no reason to overturn the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in favor of Ododo and the APC. INEC, Ododo, and the APC had all prayed for the dismissal of Ajaka’s petition, arguing that it was incomplete and lacked merit. Conversely, Ajaka and the SDP urged the court to uphold their petition and disregard the respondents’ submissions.
Ultimately, the tribunal ruled in favor of Ododo and the APC, reinforcing the legitimacy of the election results.
Bottom Line
The affirmation of Usman Ododo’s victory by the Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal underscores the judiciary’s role in resolving electoral disputes. Despite allegations of irregularities, the tribunal’s decision reflects a thorough review process, ensuring that the declared results stand unless proven otherwise.
This ruling not only solidifies Ododo’s position as the governor of Kogi State but also serves as a precedent for future election petitions, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence and consistency in legal challenges.
