The Kogi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, based in Abuja, has set May 27 as the date to deliver its judgment on the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo.
The tribunal, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, announced the date in a communication to the parties involved.
The petition disputes the outcome of the November 11, 2023, off-cycle election where Ododo, representing the All Progressive Congress (APC), defeated Ajaka by a significant margin.
Ajaka contested the results, leading to a tribunal case that began in December 2023. The tribunal reserved judgment after final addresses were presented on May 13.
INEC, Ododo, and the APC, represented by senior advocates including Chief Kanu Agabi and Joseph Daudu, have urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition as lacking merit.
Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo, has called for the petition to be upheld, arguing it was filed within the legal timeframe and challenging the respondents’ claims.
The tribunal’s decision will be announced on May 27.
