Appeal Court Affirms Ododo’s Victory, Ajaka Heads for Supreme Court.

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The Court of Appeal sitting on the Kogi State gubernatorial election dispute has affirmed the victory of Governor Usman Ododo. The 3-man panel issued its ruling on Thursday in Abuja where it dismissed the appeal filed by Murtala Ajaka, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the election.

Ajaka had filed an appeal challenging the ruling of the Tribunal on 4 grounds and the appeal court dismissed all of them, citing the petitioners failed to prove all the allegations in their petition beyond a reasonable doubt.

On the case of certificate forgery against Ododo, the court ruled that as a pre-election matter that should have been settled at the Federal High Court.

Sound Judgement – Ododo.

Reacting to the verdict, the governor called it a “sound judgement”, according to the state’s commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo.

 “Today’s judgement represents echoes of our November 11, 2023, victory. We campaigned round the state and worked hard to reassure the people that our party is the most reliable to take the state forward.

“November 11 will continue to be remembered in Kogi State as the day that Kogites across the Senatorial Districts united to speak with one voice, birthing a resounding victory for the incumbent Governor.

“Today’s verdict has offered another great opportunity for those who lost at the poll and in the courts to join the Governor in moving the state forward”.

Fanwo said the court case did not in any way slow governance down, as the Governor has continued to “roll up his sleeves and deliver democracy dividends to the great people of the State.

“The jubilation that greeted the verdict affirming the victory of the Chief Servant of Kogi State demonstrates the triumph of the people’s will,” he said.

Remain Calm, We Are Headed for The Supreme Court – Ajaka.

On his part, the petitioner, SDP’s Murtala Ajaka, in a statement appealed to his supporters to remain calm as the fight is not over. In a statement made available to newsmen after the judgement was delivered, Ajaka said the decision of the Appeal court was influenced by irregularities.

“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, 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 inflicted upon us once again,” he said.

He urged supporters to exercise restraint and not give up hope.

“We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means,” Ajaka stated.

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