In the unfolding drama of Kogi State’s gubernatorial election, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to annul the election results from Kogi Central senatorial district. The call came as the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, trails behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo.
Presenting the petition letter to the state Returning Officer, SDP’s agent, David Edibo, vehemently rejected the outcome of the election conducted in the five local government areas within the district on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Kogi Central is recognized as a stronghold for the APC, given that both the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, and Governor Yahaya Bello hail from the region.
In response to SDP’s plea, the APC’s agent, Idris King, raised objections to the petition, setting the stage for a potential clash in the ongoing electoral process.
As the results unfold from 18 of the 21 local government areas in the state, Ododo has secured a substantial lead over Ajaka. The APC candidate has emerged victorious in 11 LGAs, while Ajaka has claimed victory in six. Leke Abejide of the African Democratic Party (ADC) has also secured one LGA.
With Ododo amassing 409,450 votes, Ajaka trails with 208,503, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer, Dino Melaye, garnered 41,925 votes. The unfolding situation in Kogi Central adds a layer of intensity to the already charged electoral atmosphere, hinting at potential complications in the final results.
