The Kogi State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, upheld the election of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governor of Kogi State on Monday. The three-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, dismissed the petition filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a failure to substantially prove the material facts as required by law.
In its ruling, the tribunal emphasized that, according to section 135 of the Electoral Act, the petitioner failed to demonstrate how the alleged irregularities were substantial enough to impact the entire election. The unanimous decision highlighted that Ajaka did not provide sufficient credible evidence to support his claims, which is essential to overturn an election result.
Justice Birnin-Kudu, delivering the lead judgment, stated, “The petitioner is required by law to lead evidence to show not only that there were irregularities but also that these irregularities were significant enough to affect the overall outcome of the election. In this case, the petitioner has failed to meet this legal burden.”
The tribunal’s decision reinforces the legal requirement for petitioners to provide substantial proof when challenging election results. The court’s ruling underscores the necessity of presenting credible and convincing evidence to support claims of electoral malpractice.
This ruling affirms Usman Ododo’s victory and signifies a continued mandate for the APC in Kogi State. It also serves as a reminder of the rigorous standards that must be met to challenge election outcomes in the Nigerian legal system.
Murtala Ajaka’s legal team had argued that there were significant electoral malpractices, including vote buying and manipulation of results, but the tribunal found these claims unsubstantiated. The tribunal’s decision brings an end to the legal dispute surrounding the governorship election, allowing Governor Ododo to focus on his administrative duties.
