Supreme court reserves judgment in Kogi guber election appeal

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Murtala Ajaka, Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Kogi State governorship election.

Ajaka challenged the tribunal and Court of Appeal judgments.

During the August 19, 2024, hearing, Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo (SAN), requested a full panel to hear the appeal, citing paragraphs 4.28 and 4.29 of the appellant’s brief. However, the court declined, citing time constraints and jurisdiction.

Lawyers for the respondents, including Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) for the APC, Kanu Agabi (SAN) for INEC, and Joseph Daudu (SAN) for Governor Usman Ododo, opposed the request.

Justice Garba Lawal, leading the five-member panel, ruled that election appeals are time-bound and the current panel has jurisdiction.

The court proceeded with the hearing, addressing Daudu’s application to strike out certain grounds of appeal and a preliminary objection challenging the appeal’s competence.

Akubo urged the court to allow the appeal, set aside the Court of Appeal’s judgment, and declare Ajaka the duly elected governor.

Agabi argued for INEC, seeking dismissal of the appeal due to Ajaka’s contention that the election was invalid.

Justice Lawal reserved judgment, pending communication of the date to the parties.