Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last gubernatorial election in Kogi state has released a statement denying news making rounds he withdrew his case at the appeal court challenging the election of the state governor, Usman Ododo. Ajaka lost the election as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared Ododo, who was the candidate of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), winner.
Ajaka then approached the elections petitions tribunal to challenge the declaration, but in its ruling, the tribunal upheld the election of Ododo. The SDP candidate has since taken advantage of his right to appeal and sought the input of the appeal court in the matter, but news filtered in recently that he has grown wary of the legal process and considering stepping down the court case, a sentiment he vehemently denies.
In a statement signed by the candidate himself, he described the news as false. “It is important to clarify that I have never had any discussion, either personally or through a representative, with them (Governor Ododo) about abandoning this important fight. I am fully committed to pursuing the legal battle to regain the mandate freely given to us by the people of Kogi State.
“This fight is not just for me but for the impoverished, terrorized and dehumanized people of Kogi State, and for the families of those who were killed, injured and forcibly taken away.
“We have followed all the necessary legal procedures to ensure that our appeal is heard and determined within the given timeframe, and I am confident that we will be successful,” the statement read.
