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Guber polls: Two months after, tension persists in Kogi

Two months after the governorship election in Kogi State, tensions continue to rise between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This ongoing political strife has raised concerns about potential violence, particularly regarding the SDP’s planned inspection of election materials.

In an effort to mitigate the risk of unrest, the inspection process has been relocated to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) national headquarters in Abuja, a move aimed at ensuring a safer and more controlled environment.JAMB Portal


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The election, held on November 11, 2023, saw Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC emerge as the winner, set to be sworn in later this month as the fifth civilian governor of Kogi State. He won against his closest rival, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka of the SDP.

However, the SDP has not conceded defeat and remains in contention. The party’s candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, has challenged the election results, particularly those from the Central Senatorial District, alleging manipulation in favor of the APC candidate. Ajaka has taken legal action, seeking to overturn the election results.

While some political parties like the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) have not contested the election outcome in court, the SDP’s decision to pursue legal challenges highlights the party’s commitment to disputing what they perceive as an unfair electoral process.

The situation in Kogi State exemplifies the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape, where electoral disputes often lead to heightened tensions and the necessity for judicial intervention to resolve conflicts. As the state prepares for the inauguration of the new governor, the outcome of the SDP’s legal challenge remains a focal point of attention.JAMB Result

Two months after the governorship election in Kogi State, tensions continue to rise between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). This ongoing political strife has raised concerns about potential violence, particularly regarding the SDP’s planned inspection of election materials.

In an effort to mitigate the risk of unrest, the inspection process has been relocated to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) national headquarters in Abuja, a move aimed at ensuring a safer and more controlled environment.

The election, held on November 11, 2023, saw Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC emerge as the winner, set to be sworn in later this month as the fifth civilian governor of Kogi State. He won against his closest rival, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka of the SDP.NYSC Portal

However, the SDP has not conceded defeat and remains in contention. The party’s candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, has challenged the election results, particularly those from the Central Senatorial District, alleging manipulation in favor of the APC candidate. Ajaka has taken legal action, seeking to overturn the election results.

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While some political parties like the People Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) have not contested the election outcome in court, the SDP’s decision to pursue legal challenges highlights the party’s commitment to disputing what they perceive as an unfair electoral process.

The situation in Kogi State exemplifies the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape, where electoral disputes often lead to heightened tensions and the necessity for judicial intervention to resolve conflicts. As the state prepares for the inauguration of the new governor, the outcome of the SDP’s legal challenge remains a focal point of attention.InformationGuideNigeria

APC fires another shot

The party said, “the INEC was given only 48 hours to comply with the said order, which includes all forms, registers, result sheets, ballot papers and BVAS machines.

“Upon being served with the Order on the 27th day of November 2023, INEC filed a motion before the Tribunal on the 29th day of November 2023 praying the Court to set aside the said order contending that the Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to make the said order and for other reasons such as apparent contradictions in the said ex-parte order.

“That motion to set aside dated and filed on 29/11/2023 is to our knowledge still before the Tribunal as it has not been heard. It must also be noted that till date, the said Order for inspection granted on 25/11/2023 has not been served on the winner of that election, Alhaji Usman Ododo and the APC who are listed as parties in the said Order of Court.

“Most importantly is the fact that the Petition in respect of which the order of inspection was initially sought and granted was filed on the 2nd of December 2023 with the SDP and its candidate admitting at paragraph 92 of the contentious Petition that INEC had given them documents contained in the Order which included Voters Register, BVAS Accreditation Reports and Result Sheets.

“With the above background in mind, it is therefore shocking to learn that the REC of INEC in Kogi State, who works for a body which has asked a Court to set aside the Ex-parte Order for inspection it made, is now organizing an inspection exercise in Abuja for the SDP and its Candidate, an exercise which is fully and financially sponsored by the SDP and its candidate. Specifically, the REC sent out the following messages to affected Staff of INEC in Kogi State:

“Good evening everyone and compliment of the season. I have just been contacted by the legal team of the SDP regarding the inspection of the election materials for the November 11th Governorship Election.

“They said that they had communicated to the Commission that they would like to start the inspection with Adavi, Okehi and Okene. They are ready to be responsible for the logistics and accommodation of the EOs and the HOD EOPs and ICT who must be at the Inspection as directed.

“Please convey this information to the affected officials. As for the logistics, Barrister Olowo who has been dealing with us will provide the funds. Please ensure that all officers and HODs mentioned are in attendance for the inspection. Admin Sec. Co-ordinate. Thanks. REC”.

He mentioned that the message was followed up by another request sent at the instance of the REC as follows: “In line with the above, I have been directed to inform the HODs (Ops&ICT) HoU Logistics and Electoral officers of Adavi, Okehi and Okene LGA to avail themselves at the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja, on 4th Jan, 2024, for the inspection, scheduled to hold by 9am to 6pm”.

The APC said the above message showed that the REC has been heavily compromised by the SDP.

Fanwo said, “It is clear that the SDP and its Candidate who claimed to have filed their Petition have an ulterior motive regarding the election materials used for the conduct of the November 11 Governorship Election in Kogi State and the REC Kogi State who is on their payroll is willing and ready to assist them to tamper with these materials.

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“The REC by the above message is willing to compromise other staff of INEC by allowing the SDP to pay for their transportation, accommodation and other logistics for an assignment which ought to be an official assignment. The Law which sets up and regulates the activities of INEC does not confer on INEC’s legal opponents to fund INEC’s official assignments.

“The above message from the REC has clearly shown that he is no umpire and that he is no longer worthy of the position of a REC as he has been heavily compromised even before this exercise as he has an established financial relationship with the SDP and its candidate who have been dealing with him through the said Barrister Olowo.

“It is unfortunate that the REC in charge of Kogi State has decided to soil his hands in a case in which legality of filing is still in contention till date. He has clearly failed the test of impartiality and integrity and has clearly misrepresented the nobility of INEC.

“At this point, we call on the Chairman and Management of INEC to immediately halt any inspection of electoral materials used in the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election in Kogi State pending the determination of the Motion on Notice filed by INEC and others to set the Order of inspection aside.

“INEC should commence disciplinary processes against the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State, Mr. Longpet, having been heavily compromised by the SDP and its Candidate.

“The message from the REC is an admission of graft by him and a final nail on his fraudulent activities in the State. He has clearly misrepresented the integrity and legal interest of INEC. The electoral body should suspend or redeploy the REC from Kogi State pending the outcome of the disciplinary process against him”.

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Emediong Silver

Emediong Ekpe is a graduate of English. A professional Sports journalist/analyst, and a spoken word artist. He is passionate about decimating information and putting smiles on people's faces via news writing. Whatapp: 08088735884

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