The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, Murtala Ajaka, has asked his supporters to be calm following his loss at the Appeal Court.
Ajaka lost at the appellate court on Thursday as a three-man panel of judges affirmed the victory of Governor Usman Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi state.
Shortly after the ruling, Ajaka rejected the appellate court’s verdict, vowing to reclaim what he described as his stolen mandate at the Supreme Court.
“I call on all our supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this disappointment and injustice. We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution,” he said.
Ajaka also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate court.
He stated, “Remember that our journey to reclaiming our stolen mandate is not limited to this decision. This is just another step in a series of legal battles that we are prepared to take to the very end.
“We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.”