The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has delivered its judgment, upholding the victory of Governor Usman Ododo in the November 11, 2023, governorship election. The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging Ododo’s win.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election, which was marred by allegations of rigging and vote-buying. Ajaka and the SDP filed a petition, listing INEC, Ododo, and the APC as respondents.
In the judgment delivered on Monday, the tribunal ruled in favor of Ododo, dismissing the petition. The tribunal had earlier fixed May 27 to deliver its judgment after the parties adopted their final written addresses.
During the proceedings, INEC, Ododo, and APC’s lawyers opposed the move by Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) to lead a digital forensic expert, Edidiong Udoh, as a witness, citing procedural irregularities. However, Okutepa argued that the witness was listed in the petition and his statement was front-loaded.
With this judgment, Governor Ododo’s victory has been upheld, putting an end to the legal challenge by the SDP and Ajaka.
