LIVE UPDATES
A war of words continues to intensify in Kogi State between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) two months after the governorship election. The political tension in the state has escalated amid fears that the planned inspection of election materials by the SDP could lead to violence.
To avert potential mayhem, the inspection process has been relocated to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the APC candidate, was declared the winner by INEC, defeating his closest rival, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka of the SDP during the November 11, 2023, polls. Ododo is set to be sworn in as the fifth civilian governor of the state on January 27.
However, the SDP, particularly Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, contests the outcome, alleging manipulation of results in the Central Senatorial District, where the APC candidate hails from.
While some political parties like the People Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Democratic Congress (ADC) are not challenging the election outcome in court, the SDP is pursuing legal action, aiming to overturn the results.
The National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, expressed disappointment with what he perceived as a brazen disregard for the rule of law and called on President Buhari to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Gabam highlighted concerns about compromised electoral officials, asserting that impunity seemed to be the norm without consequent actions.
The ongoing dispute underscores the post-election challenges in Kogi State and the determination of the SDP to contest the results through legal means.
