Group asks s’court to uphold constitution in Kogi guber dispute

A group known as the Concerned Citizens of Kogi has asked the supreme court to uphold the constitution as it adjudicates on the state’s governorship election.

The group said the case of over-voting, as presented by Murtala Ajaka, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), against Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was disregarded by the tribunal and the court of appeal over “technicalities”.

In November, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Ododo as winner of the Kogi governorship election.

The umpire said Ododo polled 446,237 votes to defeat Ajaka who came second with 259,052 votes; and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 46,362 votes.

At the tribunal, SDP and Ajaka said Ododo should be disqualified based on allegations of over-voting and certificate forgery.

However, the tribunal and appellate courts dismissed the petitioners’ case, prompting them to file an appeal at the supreme court.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Davies Ijele, convener of the group, said it is troubling that both courts dismissed the claims.

“The tribunal and appeal court’s dismissal of the over-voting case on technicalities is troubling. We trust that the supreme court will uphold the constitution over technicalities and evidence,” he said.

“Allowing BVAS fraud to persist jeopardizes our democracy. The Bayelsa case lacked substantial BVAS evidence, while in Kogi, BVAS was introduced in court but dismissed due to INEC staff identity issues.

“The judiciary’s uncertainty about the identity of a staff member present in court for 20 days, even with the presence of INEC legal team, is laughable.

“We urge the supreme court to help do justice to the people of Kogi state.”