The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has emphasised that the Supreme Court judgement affirming his election victory is a triumph for the people who voted for him on November 11, 2023, rather than a personal achievement.
Reacting to the judgement, Governor Ododo stated, “I feel elated not just because of our victory but about how the judiciary held onto 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, and they were intimidated, but they have held onto the point of law. This victory is not about me but for the people who trooped out on November 11, 2023, to vote.”
He called on Senator Dino Melaye, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election, to collaborate with him in advancing the state. Governor Ododo also extended an olive branch to other opposition parties and their candidates, including Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“We have always extended the olive branch to them to join us in moving Kogi forward. Kogi remains our state, and we want to come together to discuss the affairs of the state. It is not a personal fight; it is a contestation 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 the election,” Ododo said.
He commended the Supreme Court for its judgement, describing it as a testament to the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man. Addressing journalists in Abuja after the judgement on Friday, Ododo praised the apex court for withstanding intimidation and upholding the people’s will.
The governor dedicated his victory to God Almighty and President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to perform its duties impartially. On his expectations before the judgement, Ododo remarked that there was no fear as he believed in the credibility and transparency of the election.
“The election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi, it was the most peaceful election, and we won,” he said. Despite the litigation, Ododo affirmed that his administration remained focused on delivering good governance.
“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 why we were elected, so it has never distracted me,” he added.
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