The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal has ruled in favour of Governor Usman Ododo, dismissing the petition challenging his victory in the November 2023 election.
Murtala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), had filed a petition contesting the outcome of the election.
The petition, filed with the tribunal sitting in Abuja, alleged irregularities including vote-buying and rigging.
The tribunal carefully considered arguments and evidence presented by both parties throughout the proceedings.
During the case, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN); Alex Iziyon (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), who appeared for INEC, Governor Ododo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) – listed as respondents in the petition – objected to the presentation of a witness by the SDP.
They argued that the witness and their expertise were not properly disclosed in the initial petition documents.
Despite these objections, the tribunal ultimately ruled in favour of Governor Ododo, upholding his election victory.