ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has pledged to continue his legal battle against Governor Usman Ododo following his defeat at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Ajaka described the tribunal’s verdict as a “temporary setback” and vowed to appeal the decision to the highest court.
In a statement issued from Abuja, Ajaka expressed his disappointment with the tribunal’s decision but maintained a hopeful outlook for the future. “Today, I come before you with a heavy heart, but also with a fire of optimism burning in my soul. We have just received the news that our election petition has been unsuccessful at the tribunal. It is a setback, a moment of disappointment, and it is natural for us to feel disheartened. But let me tell you this, my fellow Kogites, this is not the end of our journey,” Ajaka stated.
Ajaka commended his legal team for their diligent efforts in presenting evidence of overvoting during the election. “Despite the outcome at the tribunal, I am proud to say that we had a team of brilliant lawyers who did an outstanding job in proving the case of overvoting during the election,” he said. He praised their professionalism and tenacity, highlighting that their work left an indelible mark on the case.
He also expressed optimism that justice will eventually be served. “Yes, we may have lost the battle at the tribunal, but the war is far from over. Our stolen mandate, our voice, our power, will not be silenced. We will rise from the ashes of this defeat, stronger and more determined than ever before,” Ajaka declared.
Ajaka urged his supporters to remain resilient and united in the face of adversity. “We must remember why we embarked on this political journey in the first place. Our dreams, our hopes for a better future for Kogi, for a fairer society, for the upliftment of the marginalized, for the protection of our people, and for the progress of our state – these dreams are not dependent on a single election outcome,” he said.
He called on his fellow Kogites to stay strong and continue the fight for justice. “Our opponents may have won this first round, the battle, but they have not won the war. We will take this fight to the very end, where justice will prevail. We will reclaim our stolen mandate and restore the faith of our people in the democratic process,” Ajaka asserted.
Ajaka concluded by reminding his supporters of the historical significance of their struggle and the power they have to shape their destiny. “History is filled with stories of triumph against all odds. We are the authors of our own destiny, and we have the power to shape the future. Let our determination be our guiding light, and let our relentless pursuit of justice be the fuel that propels us forward,” he said.