Appeal court gives verdict in suit seeking removal of Kogi governor

On Thursday, July 11, the Court of Appeal panel dismissed the appeal from Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, and his party, deeming it unmeritorious.

The court addressed all four issues raised by the appellants and concluded that the allegations of over-voting and certificate forgery were not proven.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has lauded the decision of the Appeal Court in Abuja, which confirmed Ododo's election as the state governor.

Kingsley Fanwo, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, expressed the government's approval during an interview with journalists shortly after the judgment.

Fanwo called the verdict "sound" and said it reflects the governor's "indisputable victory" in the election. He added that the governor maintains strong faith in the judiciary.

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“Today’s judgment represents echoes of our victory on November 11, 2023. We campaigned round the state and worked hard to reassure the people that our party is the most reliable to take the state forward.

“November 11 will continue to be remembered in Kogi as the day that Kogites across the senatorial districts united to speak with one voice, birthing a resounding victory for the incumbent governor.

“Today’s verdict has offered another great opportunity for those who lost at the poll and in the courts to join the governor in moving the state forward,” the commission said.