The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has alleged judicial interference in a case filed by the party and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, in the November 11, 2023 Kogi State governorship election, challenging the judgement of the state’s election petition tribunal.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had upheld the tribunal judgement that declared Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress as the valid winner of the Kogi governorship poll.
A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the appeal of the SDP and its governorship candidate, Ajaka.
Shortly after the ruling, Ajaka rejected the appeal court’s verdict, vowing to reclaim what he described as his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court.
However, the Murtala Yakubu Ajaka Campaign Council of the SDP in a press statement released on Thursday, urged the National Judicial Council to ensure a thorough and transparent process in selecting judges for the case.
It condemned the Kogi State Government’s untimely celebration of the case, describing it as a blatant attempt to influence the judiciary and subvert the course of justice.
The campaign council expressed outrage over senior appointees and supporters of the APC taking to social media to celebrate a purported victory, despite the Supreme Court yet to commence its sitting on the matter.
“This is not the first time we have seen this kind of brazen disregard for the judicial process,” said Isaiah Ijele Davies, Spokesperson for the MURI/Sam Campaign Council.
He said, “We recall how the tribunal judgment and the Court of Appeal proceedings were leaked to the public and reported by mainstream media before the court even resumed sitting on the day of judgment. This is unacceptable and we will not stand for it.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate these allegations and bring those responsible to justice.”
“We cannot trust the current panel to deliver a fair and impartial judgment,” Davies said. “We demand a fresh panel that will uphold the integrity of the judiciary and protect the rights of the good people of Kogi State.
“We have confidence in the Supreme Court to uphold justice and maintain public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver impartial and well-reasoned judgments. But we will not hesitate to speak out against any attempts to subvert the course of justice,” the statement added.
