The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party regarding the Kogi Governorship election. The Court has also declined Ajaka’s request for a full panel to hear his appeal, which was made by his counsel, Pius Akubo, SAN.
Akubo had petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria to allow a full panel to review the appeal, citing specific sections of the Appellant’s Brief of Argument. However, the Chief Justice’s response was not received in time. The respondents’ counsels opposed the request, arguing that a five-member panel could handle the appeal effectively.
Justice Garba Lawal, leading the five-member panel, ruled that the court, as currently constituted, had the jurisdiction to proceed with the appeal, given the time-sensitive nature of election disputes.
During the proceedings, JB Daudu, SAN, representing the 2nd Respondent, moved to strike out certain grounds of the appeal and challenged its competence. Daudu urged the Court to dismiss the appeal and reject all related applications.
In contrast, Akubo SAN called for the appeal to be upheld, the Court of Appeal’s judgment to be set aside, and Ajaka to be declared the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
Kanu Agabi SAN also argued against the appeal, noting that Ajaka had previously contended that the election was invalid. The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeal, with the date to be communicated to the parties involved.
News Editor