The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo as the Governor of Kogi State, dismissing the appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Yakubu Muritala Ajaka. In a ruling delivered by a five-member panel on Friday, the court declared that the appeal lacked merit.
The SDP and Ajaka had challenged the election results, seeking to overturn Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial election. The appeal centered on claims of over-voting, forged documents, and other irregularities. Ajaka had sought to nullify Ododo’s Certificate of Return and called for a new election in five local government areas.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that the appeal was baseless, affirming that Ododo won with 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka, who secured 259,052 votes. The court also dismissed a related appeal challenging Ododo’s election for being filed outside the legal time limit.
With this ruling, Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
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