The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeal filed by Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) concerning the Kogi governorship election. Ajaka’s appeal is against the decisions of both the tribunal and the Appeal Court.
During the hearing, Ajaka’s counsel, Pius Akubo, SAN, requested that a full panel of seven justices be constituted to hear the appeal, citing specific paragraphs in the appellant’s brief. However, this request was opposed by the respondents’ lawyers, who argued that a five-member panel was sufficient.
Chief Justice Garba Lawal, leading the five-man panel, ruled that the current panel had the jurisdiction to hear the case. The court proceeded with the hearing, during which arguments were presented by both sides. The respondents’ representatives, including Emmanuel Ukala for the APC, Chief Kanu Agabi for INEC, and Joseph Daudu for Gov Usman Ododo, challenged the appeal and sought its dismissal.
The panel’s decision on Ajaka’s appeal will be announced on a later date to be communicated to the parties involved.