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Tribunal Reserves Judgment In Kogi Governorship Election Dispute
Tribunal Reserves Judgment In Kogi Governorship Election Dispute
The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Abuja, has opted to withhold its judgment in the petition lodged by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the victory of Governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During Monday’s proceedings, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Governor Ododo urged the tribunal to dismiss Ajaka’s petition, citing its incompetence and lack of merit. This position was echoed by their legal representatives, Kanu Agabi, Joseph Daudu, and Emmanuel Ukala, as they concluded their final written arguments.
In contrast, Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo, urged the tribunal to reject Ododo’s submissions and uphold their own.
Following a comprehensive review of all submissions, the tribunal, under the leadership of Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, opted to defer its judgment to a later date, which will be communicated to all concerned parties.
It’s worth noting that INEC had previously declared Ododo as the winner of the highly contested Kogi State Governorship Election held on November 11, 2023. Ododo emerged victorious with 446,237 votes, surpassing his closest contender, Ajaka of the SDP, who garnered 259,052 votes. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 46,362 votes.
Both Ododo and Melaye had raised concerns about the election, citing irregularities. Consequently, Ajaka of the SDP has taken the matter to court, contesting the outcome of the poll.
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared its intention to present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This comes despite Wike’s open endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, as well as his recent comments suggesting the party may struggle to fund a nationwide presidential campaign.
However, speaking in an interview, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, dismissed claims that the party would not field a candidate, insisting that preparations are ongoing.
He said the party’s National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Monday will address key issues such as zoning arrangements and nomination fees.
According to him, “We are going to have a presidential candidate. The NEC will decide the zoning formula. Our goal is to win the election and take power from the APC.”
Responding to questions about Wike’s support for President Tinubu, he argued that the minister was speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the PDP.
He stressed that there is a clear separation between Wike’s role as a federal appointee and his status within the party, adding that the PDP’s decisions rest with its leadership structures.
The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, has revealed that Ibadan elders have stepped into the ongoing tension between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four police officers and a developer, Abiodun Ariori, who were accused in connection with the killing of six traders in the Owode Onirin area of Kosofe, Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The decision followed legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which concluded that the officers acted in self-defence during a mob attack.
In the advice signed by DPP Babajide Martins, the office stated that investigators failed to provide sufficient evidence, including autopsy and ballistic reports, to support criminal charges such as manslaughter.
It further stated that available facts did not clearly link the suspects to the deaths, while noting that the officers were acting to protect themselves during the chaos. The DPP also said the developer was not physically present at the scene when the incident occurred.
The incident reportedly happened during the enforcement of a disputed court order over a land area occupied by traders, which later turned violent and led to the deaths.
However, the Nigeria Police Force disagreed with the legal advice, insisting that autopsy and ballistic findings were strong enough to prosecute the suspects.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who represents the victims’ families, said the case is not over, adding that additional evidence would be submitted to the DPP while also pursuing compensation through a civil suit.
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