UPDATE: COURT RESERVES JUDGEMENT IN KOGI GOVERNORSHIP POLL DISPUTE

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The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, seated in Abuja, has deferred ruling on the appeal brought forth by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate for governor, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election triumph of All Progressives Congress (APC) governor Usman Ododo.

During the proceedings on Monday, the APC, Ododo, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requested that the tribunal reject the plea submitted by Ajaka, citing its ineptitude and lack of merit.

They adopted their final written addresses while saying this through their solicitors, Kanu Agabi, Joseph Daudu, and Emmanuel Ukala.

Pius Akubo, the attorney representing Ajaka, requested the panel disregard Ododo’s submissions and uphold Ajaka’s.

The tribunal, presided over by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, heard arguments from both parties and postponed making a decision until a later time that would be shared with both sides.

Ododo was proclaimed the victor of the fiercely contested Kogi State Governorship Election on November 11, 2023, by INEC. With 446,237 votes, Ododo—a supporter of former governor Yahaya Bello—became victorious against Ajaka of the SDP, who received 259,052 votes, and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 46,362 votes.

Ododo and Melaye had said the election was fraught with irregularities. The SDP candidate later challenged the result of the poll in court.