By Milcah Tanimu

The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, located in Abuja, has concluded hearings and reserved its judgment regarding the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Murtala Ajaka, contesting the victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During Monday’s proceedings, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Ododo argued for the dismissal of Ajaka’s petition, citing its incompetency and lack of merit. Represented by their respective legal teams including Kanu Agabi, Joseph Daudu, and Emmanuel Ukala, they submitted their final written addresses to the tribunal.

In contrast, Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo, urged the tribunal to reject Ododo’s arguments and uphold their own. Following deliberations from all parties, the tribunal, presided over by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, opted to reserve judgment, with the specific date to be communicated to both sides.

In the contentious November 11, 2023 Kogi State Governorship Election, INEC declared Ododo as the victor. Ododo, an ally of former Governor Yahaya Bello, secured 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka of the SDP, who garnered 259,052 votes, while Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 46,362 votes.

Both Ododo and Melaye alleged irregularities in the election process. Subsequently, the SDP candidate, Ajaka, pursued legal action to contest the election outcome.