JUST IN: Supreme Court Upholds Ododo’s Election, Dismisses Baimoh’s Appeal

In a ruling on Friday, August 23, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate, Olayinka Baimoh, challenging the victory of Ahmed Usman Ododo in the Kogi State governorship election held on November 11, 2023.

The five-member panel of justices unanimously ruled that the appeal, marked SC/CV/653/2024, was inadmissible, citing that the notice of appeal was filed outside the legally allowed 14-day period.

Justice Sadiq Umar, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that the preliminary objection raised regarding the competence of the appeal was valid, rendering the consideration of other issues raised by the appellants unnecessary.

The court dismissed the appeal and imposed a penalty of N5 million against the appellants, in favor of the respondents.

Meanwhile, the court is also expected to rule on a separate appeal filed by Yakubu Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who is similarly contesting Ododo’s victory.

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.