After the Appeal Court verdict that upheld the Election Petitions Tribunal affirmation of Governor Usman Ododo as duly elected, the Candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Kogi governorship election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has expressed his determination to reclaim the mandate freely given to him by the people at the Supreme court.
Reacting to the verdict of the Court of Appeal Ajaka said it was just a temporary setback.
In a statement, he personally signed and made available to newsmen, Ajaka called on his supporters to remain calm and law abiding as he is resolute in the struggle to fight for the rights and interests if the people of Kogi state.
“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.
“In the coming weeks, we will be working tirelessly to prepare our case for the apex court. We will leave no stone unturned, and no avenue unexplored in our quest for justice. We understand the weight of responsibility that has been placed upon our shoulders, and we are prepared to carry it with unwavering dedication and resilience.
“In light of today’s verdict, we want to state that we acknowledge and respect the decision of the Court of Appeal. However, we strongly believe that some irregularities and manipulations influenced the outcome of this petition.
“We have tirelessly fought for the rights and interests of the people of Kogi State, and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission. We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate.
“I call on all our supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this disappointment and injustice. We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means.
“We understand that this verdict may have caused some to feel disheartened and even depressed. However, we urge you not to lose hope. Remember that our journey to reclaiming our stolen mandate is not limited to this decision. This is just another step in a series of legal battles that we are prepared to take to the very end.
“Now more than ever, we must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is just, and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf,” he said.
He called on his followers and citizens of Kogi State to remain steadfast and resolute, assuring that the “stolen mandate will be reclaimed”.