The Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) candidate in the 2023 Kogi state gubernatorial election, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has expressed the optimism that he will get a favorable Supreme Court judgment.
The apex Court had reserved judgment in the ongoing legal battle for the state’s governorship seat for a later date.
The SDP candidate has been enmershed in a prolonged legal dispute with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ododo the winner of the election.
Speaking to newsmen after the Supreme Court reserved judgment, Ajaka stated, “We have presented a strong case, and we are confident that justice will prevail. The people of Kogi State deserve a leader chosen through a free, fair, and transparent election, and we believe our case will vindicate the will of the people.”
Ajaka expressed absolute believe in the Supreme Court’s integrity as he urged his supporters to remain patient and peaceful as they await the court’s decision.
He emphasized that their struggle transcends beyond the election, aiming to ensure a solid foundation of fairness and transparency in democracy.
The legal dispute arose after Ajaka contested the election results, alleging electoral fraud by Ododo and his party, citing irregularities in the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and discrepancies in the final vote tally.
Ododo had carried the day twice at the tribunal and the Appeal Court who affirmed his victory in the Election that took place in November 2023.