National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, after the State Elections Petition Tribunal in Abuja upheld his election victory on Monday.
Governor Ododo was affirmed as the legitimate winner of the governorship election held on November 11, 2023.
The three-member tribunal panel, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed the petition filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party.
The tribunal ruled that Ajaka failed to substantially prove the material facts in his petition as required by law.
The tribunal held that, in accordance with Section 135 of the Electoral Act, the petitioner did not demonstrate that the alleged irregularities were significant enough to affect the overall election outcome.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, described Ododo’s victory as a welcome development.
“We congratulate Governor Ododo on his victory at the election petition tribunal. We also extend our gratitude to our numerous members, supporters, and the good people of Kogi State for their steadfast support during the legal process in defense of our electoral victory,” Morka said.
He further commended the judiciary for its professionalism and commitment to strengthening democracy.
Noting that “Governor Ododo’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal is a solid affirmation of the popular mandate given to him and our party by the Kogi electorate.”
Buoyed by this victory, the APC assured that Governor Ododo will focus on consolidating good governance in Kogi State and justifying the confidence reposed in him by the electorate.
“This is a remarkable victory for all Kogi people, irrespective of differences of any kind. We urge the opposition to accept the tribunal’s verdict and support Governor Ododo as he continues to develop and implement his many policies and projects for the collective progress of the state,” Morka added.
