Kogi Guber Election Appeal: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment, Denies Full Panel Request
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Kogi governorship election, challenging the decisions of both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court. The apex court, on Monday, said that the date for its final judgment will be communicated to the involved parties.
Ajaka’s Request for a Full Panel Denied
During the hearing, Ajaka’s legal team, led by Pius Akubo, SAN, requested that a full panel of the Supreme Court be constituted to hear the appeal, citing specific paragraphs in their brief. However, the court, led by Justice Garba Lawal, denied this request, stating that the election appeals are time-sensitive and a five-member panel has the jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Arguments Presented by Both Sides
Counsels representing the respondents opposed Ajaka’s application and urged the court to proceed with the hearing. One of the respondents’ counsels, UC Ukala, SAN, argued that the Supreme Court had previously determined that a five-member panel is sufficient to address such applications.
Following this, the five-member panel continued with the hearing of the appeal. JB Daudu, SAN, representing the second respondent, moved an application to strike out certain grounds in Ajaka’s appeal and raised a preliminary objection questioning the appeal’s competence.
Ajaka Seeks to Overturn Previous Decisions
Meanwhile, Akubo urged the court to allow the appeal, overturn the Court of Appeal’s judgment, and declare Ajaka as the rightful winner of the Kogi Governorship election. After hearing all arguments, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment, with the final decision to be announced at a later date.
The Road to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court’s decision comes after a series of legal battles following the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial election in Kogi State. The election saw Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as the winner, defeating Muritala Ajaka of the SDP. Ajaka challenged the outcome of the election, leading to a series of legal proceedings that eventually culminated in the Supreme Court’s appeal.
Awaiting the Verdict
The Supreme Court’s decision will have a significant impact on the political landscape of Kogi State. The outcome of the appeal could either affirm the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo or overturn the previous decisions and declare Muritala Ajaka as the rightful winner. The wait for the Supreme Court’s judgment continues, with the nation and Kogi State holding their breath in anticipation.
