Victor EzejaSocial Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 11 November 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has said he will approach the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the Appeal Court that upheld the election of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Ododo as the winner of the November 2023 governorship in Kogi State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reports that Ajaka, who was dissatisfied with the outcome, filed a petition at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, alleging irregularities in the election.
He asked the tribunal to compel INEC to hold new elections in about five local government areas. The tribunal, however, ruled in favour of governor Ododo, upholding his victory at the polls.
READ ALSO: Kogi Guber: Ododo Wins At Appeal Court
The SDP candidate and the party subsequently approached the Appeal Court seeking to upturn the judgment of the tribunal.
The appellate court sitting in Abuja in its ruling on Thursday, upheld the judgment of the tribunal. The court held that Ajaka could not substantially prove his allegations of certificate forgery by Ododo and irregularities during the election.
However, in a statement released after the Appeal Court judgment, Ajaka alleged that the verdict was impacted by some irregularities and manipulations.
He said he would fight to finish and urged members of the party and his supporters not to waver but continue encouraging the legal team navigating the legal hurdles in their overall quest for justice.
“We must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats,” Ajaka stated. “Our cause is justice 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.”
He assured his supporters that they would emerge victorious at the end of the legal challenge, adding that he has full faith in the Nigerian judicial system.
“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 that have been inflicted upon us once again,” the SDP governorship candidate stated.
Ajaka urged his supporters not to resort to any form of violence or unlawful act as a result of the court ruling, as that would be counterproductive. He called on them to remain calm and peaceful as his legal team continues with the pursuit of justice in line with the principles of democracy.
“We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means,” Ajaka admonished his supporters.
He applauded his legal team for their diligent disposition throughout the legal challenge.
He described the court rulings so far in the governorship election dispute as “temporary setback” that will not deter him from pursuing justice to the end.
“We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate,” Ajaka said.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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