Kogiflame
The people of Lokoja, the state capital of Kogi state on Friday troops out in there thousand to celebrate the victory of Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has affirmed the election victory of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo in a unanimous judgment, the Court held that the November 11 2023 Governorship election met substantial compliance.
The Appeal Court had earlier affirmed the election victory of Gov Ododo, making the Action Alliance (AA) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship candidate to head to the Supreme Court.
In a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
In a decisive judgment delivered on Friday, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Justice Garba Lawal, delivering the lead judgment, ruled that the appeal lacked merit and constituted a gross abuse of court process.
The apex court also dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of Action Alliance, Olayika Braimoh.
Regarding the respondent’s appeal challenging the date of filing of the appellant’s notice of appeal on 26/07/2024, the court held that the appellant cannot rely on the Interpretation Act to justify filing out of time.
Consequently, the court found the appeal to be incompetent and dismissed it. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of N5,000,000 in favor of the respondent.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision upheld the earlier rulings of both the Court of Appeal and the Election Petition Tribunal.
The judgement brings an end to the legal uncertainty surrounding Governor Ododo’s election, allowing him to focus on governance and delivering his campaign promises.
The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the rule of law.
Kogi State can now look forward to a period of stability and progress under Governor Ododo’s leadership
