The national leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially rejected the outcomes of the recent gubernatorial election in Kogi State and has called for an immediate review of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party insists that its candidate, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, emerged victorious and should be declared the duly elected governor.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Party, highlighted that the SDP had conveyed its stance on the Kogi gubernatorial election to INEC through a strongly-worded petition. According to Gabam, the party is disappointed with the election process, especially considering the contradictions in INEC’s press releases acknowledging serious infractions during the poll, followed by the announcement of a winner.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Gabam emphasized, “We in the SDP disagree; we are sad, we are disappointed. At this level of civilization, at this stage of developing our democracy, such a brazen disregard for the rule of law is still accepted. We will challenge it, and we are putting all our facts together.”
He further stated, “We have informed President Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu that this will be the first test run for his integrity. We are following developments and judicial pronouncements, and we are determined to retrieve our allegedly stolen mandate.”
The SDP is urging INEC to review the election, calling for the cancellation of affected polling units with overvoting, rectification of observed irregularities, and the declaration of Alhaji Murtala Ajaka as the duly elected governor of Kogi State. Gabam urged INEC to exercise its rights and obligations under the constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022 to correct the earlier declared result.
Highlighting specific complaints, Gabam outlined instances of irregularities, including substantial registered voters with irregular or multiple registrations being considered lawful voters. He also mentioned INEC functionaries’ actions that contravened electoral laws, such as allowing overvoting and declaring results in areas where voting did not take place.
Gabam concluded by stating, “We avow that the irregularities observed in the affected polling units substantially affected the outcome of the election.” Despite earlier statements from the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, about not challenging the election results, he announced a change of course, citing evidence and pressure from supporters, confirming the party’s decision to go to court.
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