Breaking News: Kogi Governorship Election: Tribunal Affirms Usman Ododo's Victory

 

Breaking News: Kogi Governorship Election: Tribunal Affirms Usman Ododo's Victory

In a landmark ruling, the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has affirmed Usman Ododo as the valid winner of the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial contest. The tribunal's decision puts to rest the contentious issues surrounding the election.

The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Ajaka, had petitioned the tribunal, alleging that Governor Ododo, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not secure the highest number of valid votes cast at the election. Ajaka also claimed that the election was marred by irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

However, the three-member panel led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu dismissed Ajaka's petition, finding no merit in his claims. The tribunal held that Ajaka failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove his allegations and consequently, could not dislodge the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in favor of Ododo and the APC.

This ruling is a significant victory for Governor Ododo and the APC, and a testament to the integrity of the electoral process in Kogi State. It also demonstrates the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes.

With this ruling, Governor Ododo can now focus on delivering his campaign promises to the people of Kogi State, while the APC can celebrate a hard-won victory.

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