‘Judiciary was resolute despite blackmail’ — Ododo speaks on s’court victory

Usman Ododo has commended the supreme court ruling that certified him as the governor of Kogi state.

On Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Murtala Ajaka, its governorship candidate for lack of merit.

The court also discharged the appeal by the Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate, Olayinka Baimoh, against Ododo’s victory.

The election tribunal and appeal court had upheld Ododo’s election in May and July respectively.

In a statement issued by Ismaila Isah, his special adviser on media, Ododo said the judiciary upheld his election despite alleged threats and blackmail.

“I feel elated about our victory and how the judiciary held on to the point of law and stayed away from emotional blackmail and threats to ensure justice is served,” the governor said.

“The judiciary was threatened and blackmailed but they remained resolute and ignored emotions.

“The victory is not all about me. It is about the people who trouped out on November 11, 2023 to vote for us and we won the election resoundingly.

“The election was very transparent, fair, credible and it is the most peaceful election in the history of our state.”

Ododo extended an olive branch to candidates who lost in the election, urging them to work with him to develop the state.

“I call on our brothers in the opposition parties to come and join me to move Kogi State forward.

“It is now time for all of us to come together and discuss the affairs of our state towards achieving the greatness that we all wish for Kogi State.”

Ododo added that his administration will focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi.