Supreme Court verdict: Ododo extends olive branch to Ajaka, Melaye

Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court that upheld the decision of the lower courts affirming his return as the duly elected governor of the state.

The governor also extended an olive branch to the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Murtala Ajaka, and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dino Melaye, urging them to work together towards moving the state forward.

Ododo was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.

A five-member panel of the court unanimously held that the appeal by Ajaka to challenge Ododo’s victory lacked merit.

Sadiq Umar, who read the lead judgement, dismissed the appeal after resolving all three issues identified for determination against the appellants.

Addressing journalists at his residence in Abuja shortly after the Supreme Court ruling on Friday, Ododo commended the court for withstanding intimidation, adhering to the law, and delivering its judgement.

READ ALSO: Supreme court upholds Ododo’s election, dismisses Ajaka’s case

Describing the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, Ododo said: “I feel elated not just because of our victory but because of how the judiciary adhered to the point of law and ensured justice in this matter. The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.

“They were threatened, they were called names, they were intimidated, but they held onto the point of law. This victory is not about me, but for the people who trooped out on November 11 last year to vote.”

When asked if he had concerns about the judgement before it was delivered, Ododo said he won the election and had nothing to fear.

He noted: “We won the election resoundingly; the election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi State, this was the most peaceful election.”

Speaking on whether the litigation distracted him as governor, Ododo maintained that he was elected to serve the state, and his team remained committed to delivering good governance.

READ ALSO: Tribunal affirms Usman Ododo as Kogi governor

“I was elected as the chief servant of the state to serve the people, and as such, my team and I remain committed to the reason we were elected, so it has never distracted me,” he noted.

Commenting on the other candidates, he said, “We have always extended the olive branch to them to come and join us to move Kogi State forward. Kogi State remains our state, and we want to come together at the roundtable to discuss the affairs of the state. It is not a personal fight; it is a contest to hold power on behalf of the people, to serve them.”

“It is not proper to stop a child from coming to his house. Our philosophy is to build the APC to win elections.”

He dedicated the victory to God Almighty and President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to perform its duties without fear or favour.