The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday extended its congratulations to Kogi Governor Usman Ododo after the Kogi State Elections Petition Tribunal in Abuja upheld his election victory.

Governor Ododo was confirmed as the legitimate winner of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Kogi State by a three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu. The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party, citing insufficient evidence to substantiate claims of electoral irregularities.

The tribunal ruled that under section 135 of the Electoral Act, the petitioner failed to demonstrate that the alleged irregularities were substantial enough to affect the outcome of the election.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC hailed Ododo’s victory as a positive development.

“We congratulate Governor Ododo on his victory at the election petition tribunal. We also express our gratitude to our members, supporters, and the people of Kogi State for their steadfast support during the legal process defending our electoral victory,” the statement read.

The APC praised the judiciary for its professionalism and commitment to strengthening democracy, stating, “Governor Ododo’s victory at the Election Petition Tribunal is a strong affirmation of the popular mandate given to him and our Party by the Kogi electorate.

With this victory, we are confident that the Governor will continue to consolidate good governance in the confluence state and justify the trust placed in him by the electorate.”