ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This ruling follows the off-cycle election held on November 11, 2023, which was marred by allegations of rigging and vote-buying.
The tribunal, sitting in Abuja, had previously fixed May 27 for the judgment on the petition brought by Ajaka and the SDP. However, the final judgment was delivered on Monday, confirming Ododo’s win as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Background of the Election
Kogi State’s off-cycle governorship election took place amid significant controversy. Allegations of rigging and vote-buying overshadowed the electoral process, leading to heightened tensions and widespread scrutiny. Despite these allegations, INEC announced Usman Ododo as the winner, securing the governorship for the APC.
Tribunal Proceedings and Judgment
During the tribunal proceedings, the parties involved adopted their final written addresses. The petition listed INEC, Ododo, and the APC as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents, respectively.
On April 26, when the case was called, the tribunal witnessed a heated exchange over the admissibility of a digital forensic expert’s testimony. Lawyers representing INEC, Ododo, and APC – Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), Alex Iziyon (SAN), and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) – opposed Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), who represented Ajaka. They argued that the expert witness, Edidiong Udoh, was not properly listed in the petitioners’ proof of evidence and that his statement on oath was not front-loaded with the petition.
The respondents also contended that they received the reports of the forensic analysis just 20 minutes before the proceedings commenced, further challenging the admissibility of the evidence. Despite Okutepa’s insistence that the expert was duly listed on page 56 of the petition, the tribunal ultimately ruled against Ajaka, leading to the dismissal of his petition.
Reactions and Implications
The tribunal’s decision to uphold Ododo’s victory reinforces the APC’s position in Kogi State amid ongoing allegations and public outcry over electoral malpractices. This judgment is a significant setback for Ajaka and the SDP, who had hoped to overturn the election results.