‘Critical evidence not considered’ — PRP to appeal judgement affirming Ododo’s victory

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected the judgment of the governorship election petition tribunal affirming the victory of Usman Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi state.

On May 27, the tribunal upheld the victory of Usman Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the November 11, 2023 governorship election.

The three-member tribunal that affirmed Ododo’s victory said the election “was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act”.

Ododo polled 446,237 votes to defeat Murtala Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who was second with 259,052 votes, and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 46,362 votes.

After the poll, the PRP and Abdullahi Bayawo, the candidate of the party, filed petitions to challenge Ododo’s victory.

In a statement on Thursday reacting to the ruling of the election tribunal, Bayawo said the party will seek redress at the court of appeal.

Bayawo said a review of the verdict highlighted several errors made by the tribunal in its judgment, adding that it failed to “consider critical evidence”.

“The grounds of appeal highlight several errors made by the tribunal in its judgment, including the failure to consider critical evidence and the misdirection of law,” the statement reads.

“The PRP and its candidate are dissatisfied with the tribunal’s findings on issues such as pre-filling of INEC forms, use of non-authentic and irregular voters’ registers, and the failure to comply with the constitutional requirement of a winner scoring 25% in at least 2/3 of the local government areas.

“The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, and will seek to set aside the tribunal’s decision and ensure that justice is served in the governorship election petition.

“The PRP and its candidate are committed to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is respected in Kogi State.

“The party believes that the appeal will provide an opportunity to rectify the ‘perceived injustices’ and ensure that the true winner of the election is declared.”