Murtala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, was attacked by suspected hoodlums loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) shortly after the Supreme Court upheld the election of Usman Ododo as the state’s governor. The attack occurred on Friday following the court’s ruling that dismissed Ajaka’s appeal against Ododo’s victory.
In a video obtained by TVC News, Ajaka is seen being assaulted and pelted with water as his team attempts to protect him and escort him to safety. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and neither Ajaka nor the SDP has released an official statement as of this report.
Earlier on Friday, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court dismissed Ajaka’s appeal, affirming the results of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in which Ododo, the APC candidate, was declared the winner with 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka, who garnered 259,052 votes. Ajaka had sought to nullify Ododo’s victory, citing allegations of forged documents and over-voting, but the court found no merit in his claims.
The tribunal and appellate court had previously dismissed Ajaka’s petition, ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient. With the Supreme Court’s decision, Ododo’s election as governor stands.
