Kogi guber: It is pointless to contest Ododo’s victory in court – SDP’s Ajaka
The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Saturday, November 11, Kogi state election, Murtala Ajaka, said he would not challenge Usman Ododo’s (APC) victory in court, saying it would be a waste of time.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ododo the winner of the race having polled 446,237 votes, while his closest rival, Ajaka got 259,052 votes and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye polled 46,362 votes.
Ajaka said that there were reports of pre-filled election results in several areas of the state prior to the start of voting on Saturday, implying that the election was rigged in Ododo’s favour.
He made this known during an appearance on Channels TV’s The 2023 Verdict programme on the night of Sunday, November 12.
He noted: “I have been around for the past 20 years. I know what it is. What am I going to court to do when the same INEC that did this is going to come as a witness to defend what they did? So, it is a waste of time. Except for the party people, because I’m hugely disappointed. If the INEC chairman allows this to stand, they are looking for trouble in Nigeria.
“You gave me assurances that the election would be transparent; you allowed me to waste my time, spend my money, mobilise my people, only for you to write the results. Even if I’m not sad about it, you expect my supporters to be happy. I assure you, if they allow this to stand as they are allowing in all the states now, they are calling for anarchy in this country.”
Speaking further, Ajaka called on the INEC chair, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to investigate the officials used for the conduct of the election and stated that he doubts if elections will be held in the country in 2027.
He said: “With all due respect to the person of the INEC chairman if they don’t do a checklist and investigate their officials that went to Kogi State and allow this to stand, I doubt if there will be an election in 2027. Because people will go into that election armed, and I fear Somalia will be a child’s play.
“If we knew it would be the same old music, we would have played along with that old music by inflating the results from my area.”
