The Supreme Court in Monday, August 19, 2024, reserved judgement in the Kogi Governorship election appeal filed by Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) against the judgement of the Appeal Court.
Ajaka had challenged the declaration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as the duly elected Governor by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in the 2023 governorship elections in kogi State.
Ajaka, who lost his petition before a three-member panel at the Election Tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor of the state, appealed the judgment of the Election Tribunal.
However, the Appeal Court also held that Governor Oodo was validly elected as it upheld the tribunal judgement which dismissed Ajaka’s petition for lacking in merit.
Ajaka, however insisted that he was headed to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Court of Appealn saying that the journey to reclaiming his mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate court.
In the words of Ajaka; “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. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
“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,” he said.
