The Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has made a significant ruling, striking out the petition filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) against the election victory of Governor Ahmed Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 governorship poll in the state.
During the proceedings, the three-member panel, chaired by Justice Ado Birnin–Kudu, made the decision following the withdrawal of the petition by counsel for APP, Daniel Edeachi. This move was not opposed by lawyers representing Governor Ododo, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The tribunal’s ruling, based on review of the affidavit of no objection filed by lawyers to the respondents, resulted in the striking out of the APP petition. However, it’s important to note that the hearing in the remaining three petitions continues.
The APP had initially filed a petition challenging the declaration of Ododo as the validly elected governor of Kogi in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll conducted by INEC, suing Ododo, APC, and INEC as the first to third respondents, respectively.
In a motion on notice dated and filed on February 15, the party sought two orders: one granting leave to withdraw Petition No: EPT/KG/GOV/01/2023 and another striking out or dismissing the petition, given its withdrawal by the petitioner.
APP provided eight grounds of argument, stating that upon reassessment of the grounds and facts of the petition, it was not convinced about its sustainability and sought to avoid overburdening the tribunal. The party emphasized that the withdrawal was not based on connivance or collusion but on the overriding interest of justice.
Without making any agreements or undertakings with any party or person, the APP highlighted the need for justice in granting leave to withdraw the petition and strike it out.
This development marks a significant turning point in Kogi’s electoral landscape and sets the stage for the proceedings on the remaining petitions before the tribunal.
