Kogi Election: SDP Vows To Contest Tribunal Ruling In Favor Of Ododo

Kogi Election: SDP Vows To Contest Tribunal Ruling In Favor Of Ododo

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, announced plans to appeal the recent verdict by the Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal, which affirmed Usman Ododo’s victory as governor.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Gabam condemned the tribunal’s decision as a “miscarriage of justice.”

He pointed out a critical flaw in the judgment, noting that details of the tribunal’s decision were leaked to Sahara Reporters thirty minutes before the official announcement.

Questioning the integrity of the proceedings, Gabam asked, “How did they get the judgment?”

The tribunal dismissed the SDP’s petition on May 27, stating that the party and its gubernatorial candidate, Murtala Ajaka, failed to prove allegations of electoral malpractices, including issues with the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, who led the three-member panel, described the SDP’s evidence as inconsistent and insufficient to overturn the election results.

Despite this dismissal, Gabam remains determined, stating the party’s intention to take the case to the Supreme Court to challenge what he perceives as disenfranchisement by the APC-led administration in Kogi State.

In a statement following the tribunal verdict, Ajaka remarked that his opponent might have won the battle but would not win the war.

His statement read in part, “Despite the tribunal’s decision, I am proud of our brilliant legal team who proved the case of overvoting during the election. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to democracy have left an indelible mark on our case as we move forward.

“Throughout the process, our lawyers showed professionalism and tenacity. They gathered evidence meticulously, scrutinized data, and presented a compelling case to the tribunal, which, despite acknowledging overvoting, dismissed our case. These lawyers did not fail us. We are optimistic that they will be vindicated. This judgment will not stand the test of time

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