The Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo has expressed sadness over the verdict of the Supreme Court affirming Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the Kogi State governorship election on November 11, 2023.
The verdict followed the dismissal of the appeal filed by the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, who challenged the election’s outcome.
In a unanimous judgment, the Apex Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, which on May 27, 2024, affirmed Ododo’s election.
The five-man panel ruled that the allegation of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act was not proven by the SDP governorship candidate.
Reacting to the court ruling, Adebayo, who is also the leader of the party, said he was sad over the judgement but noted that a petition that has no error could only be filed in heaven.
Adebayo urged party members to put the judgement behind and move on.
“I am saddened by today’s judgement of the Supreme Court against the SDP in Kogi governorship election.
“We have highlighted the pitfalls of our democracy and let posterity be the judge.
“A petition that has no error can only be filed in heaven with God Almighty. We march forward,” he said.