The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja affirmed Usman Ododo as the rightful winner of the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed the petition filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate Murtala Ajaka.
The tribunal ruled that Ajaka failed to substantiate his claims that Ododo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, did not receive the highest number of valid votes. Ajaka's allegations of widespread irregularities and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022 were also rejected.
In their judgment, the tribunal found no basis to overturn the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which showed Ododo securing 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka who garnered 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finished third with 46,362 votes.
This ruling solidifies Ododo's victory and underscores the tribunal's trust in the electoral process and INEC's declared results.
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