The Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has today upheld the election of Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo as the validly elected governor of Kogi State. In a landmark ruling, the Tribunal dismissed all petitions filed by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr. Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
The Tribunal declared that the election that ushered in Governor Ododo substantially complied with the Electoral Act of 2022. This decision affirms Governor Ododo’s mandate and reaffirms the will of the people of Kogi State.
Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the November 2023 governorship election, securing a total of 446,237 votes. His closest rival, Mr. Muritala Ajaka of the SDP, garnered 259,052 votes, while Dino Melaye of the PDP received 46,362 votes.
The ruling by the Tribunal solidifies Governor Ododo’s position as the legitimate leader of Kogi State and reinforces the credibility of the electoral process. The decision demonstrates the Tribunal’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring free and fair elections.