The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its judgment in the high-stakes appeal brought by Murtala Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), challenging the rulings of both the tribunal and the Appeal Court regarding the Kogi governorship election.
Tension filled the courtroom as Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo, SAN, pressed for a full panel to hear the case, citing critical points in the appellant’s brief that warranted such a request. He revealed that he had reached out to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, but the response had yet to arrive—a fact that hung heavily in the air.
Opposing counsel, representing the respondents, strongly contended that the hearing should progress without delay. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the third respondent, underscored a precedential Supreme Court decision affirming that a five-member panel was indeed sufficient for the matter at hand.
This point was echoed by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Joseph Daudu, SAN, representing Governor Usman Ododo of the APC.
In a brisk ruling, Justice Garba Lawal, leading the five-justice panel, emphasized the time-sensitive nature of election appeals. He affirmed their jurisdiction to proceed with the argument as structured.
As the hearing unfolded, Daudu moved to strike down specific grounds from Ajaka’s notice of appeal, simultaneously questioning the appeal’s overall validity. In a robust defense, Mr. Akubo advocated passionately for his client, urging the court to overturn the Appeal Court’s judgment and reinstate Ajaka as the rightful governor of Kogi.
Agabi countered vehemently, reminding the court that Ajaka had previously declared the election invalid, a claim that weakened his position. Daudu, in turn, reinforced the call to dismiss the appeal entirely, advocating for the status quo and dismissing any applications to alter previous decisions.
Finally, Justice Lawal concluded the session by reserving judgment for a later date, leaving all parties waiting with bated breath.
