The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal affirmed on Monday that Usman Ododo remains the Governor of Kogi State, dismissing the petition brought forward by Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a detailed ruling, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, concluded that the SDP and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, failed to substantiate their allegations against the respondents. The tribunal emphasized that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had previously declared Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Kogi governorship election held on November 11, 2023. Ododo secured a total of 446,237 votes, significantly outpacing Ajaka, who garnered 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finished third with 46,362 votes.
Ododo, who previously served as the Auditor General of Kogi State and is a close associate of the former governor Yahaya Bello, was officially sworn in on January 27, 2024. The tribunal’s decision further solidifies his position as the legitimate governor, ending the legal dispute over the election results.
