Murtala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the Kogi State election held on November 11, 2023, has claimed that the Appeal Court’s ruling in the dispute between himself and Governor Usman Ododo was influenced by certain irregularities and manipulations.
Murtala Ajaka and his political party, the SDP, had appealed to the Appeal Court to overturn the ruling of the state election petition tribunal, which affirmed the victory of Usman Ododo from the All Progressives Congress.
During the judgment delivery on Thursday, the appeal court upheld the tribunal’s decision to dismiss Ajaka’s petition, stating that it lacked merit.
In a statement released to the press after the judgment, Ajaka expressed his intention to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision by filing an appeal.
“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 justice 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.
“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.”
Ajaka urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful despite feeling disappointed and encountering 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.”
Ajaka praised his legal team for their hard work and unwavering commitment to justice during the legal battle. He acknowledged their dedication and brilliance, even though the outcome so far has been disappointing.
He stated, “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.”
