The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the Kogi State governorship election appeal filed by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Muritala Ajaka.
Ajaka is challenging the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission on the outcome of the 2023 governorship elections in Kogi State.
Ajaka had previously appealed the judgment of a three-member tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress as the governor of Kogi State.
However, after the Appeal Court upheld the tribunal’s decision in June, dismissing his petition as lacking merit, Ajaka raised concerns about alleged irregularities and manipulations in the judgment.
In a statement released after the Appeal Court judgment, Ajaka expressed his intention to take his case to the Supreme Court, stating: “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.”
He also assured his supporters that the fight for justice would continue, saying: “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.”
The five-man panel of the Supreme Court has now reserved judgment, and the outcome of the appeal will determine whether the current governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will remain in office or if the election results will be overturned in favor of Ajaka.
