The Kogi State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal has delivered its final judgment, affirming the election of Usman Ododo as the governor of Kogi State.
This decision puts to rest the contestation from Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who had challenged the election results.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, concluded that the election process adhered significantly to the stipulations of the Electoral Act.
The panel of three judges, in a ruling on Monday, May 27, asserted that the SDP and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, failed to provide sufficient evidence to invalidate the election results.
Justice Birnin-Kudu emphasized that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.
This assertion is crucial, as it addresses concerns about the legitimacy and fairness of the electoral process. The tribunal’s ruling reinforced the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in administering the election.
The Kogi governorship election, held on November 11, 2023, concluded with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
Ododo secured a total of 446,237 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who garnered 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 46,362 votes.
