Kogi APC Alleges Violent Outburst by SDP Supporters After Supreme Court Verdict

The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns over what it describes as a violent outburst by supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following the Supreme Court’s recent verdict.

The Director of Media and Publicity for the Kogi APC Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, detailed the incident in a statement released on Friday, alleging that the violence was triggered by the actions of the SDP supporters after the court’s ruling affirmed Governor Usman Ododo’s election victory.

According to Fanwo, the disturbances reportedly began immediately after the Supreme Court delivered its judgement, confirming Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.

He claimed that supporters of the SDP initiated the unrest by throwing stones, bottles, and plastic containers at APC supporters and leaders who were present within the court premises.

The attacks were said to have erupted as soon as the court delivered its judgement, which did not favour the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka.

Fanwo recounted that during the ruling, the Supreme Court had specifically advised all parties involved, along with their supporters present in the courtroom, to remain seated until all matters before the court had been fully addressed.

This instruction was meant to ensure order and prevent any untoward incidents from occurring in response to the verdict.

However, according to Fanwo, the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, chose to ignore this advice and exited the courtroom along with his supporters as soon as the judgement was announced against him.

It was during this departure that the SDP supporters allegedly became hostile, lashing out at the jubilant APC members who had begun celebrating the court’s decision.

Fanwo further claimed that the attacks from Ajaka’s supporters caused significant disruption and chaos within the court premises.

The APC in Kogi State has strongly condemned these actions, labelling them as both undemocratic and uncivilised.

The party expressed deep concern over the disregard for lawful conduct and the apparent resort to violence in response to a legal decision.

In his statement, Fanwo underscored the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic values and maintaining peace within the state.

He emphasised that while the party celebrated the Supreme Court’s verdict, it also urged its members and supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, even in the face of provocation.

The Kogi APC also expressed its gratitude to God for what it described as the preservation of the people’s mandate through the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Fanwo reassured the people of Kogi State that the APC, under the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo, would continue to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to all citizens in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Supreme Court’s affirmation of Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election marks a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.

However, the aftermath of the judgement, as described by the APC, highlights ongoing tensions between the major political parties in the state.

The APC’s call for calm and its condemnation of the alleged violent reactions are reflective of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic process.

Ehsuring that election outcomes are accepted peacefully remains a critical aspect of strengthening the country’s democracy.

The incident also underscores the need for political actors and their supporters to adhere strictly to the rule of law and to respect judicial decisions, regardless of the outcome.

As Kogi State moves forward under Governor Ododo’s leadership, the focus will likely shift towards addressing the needs of the populace and fulfilling the promises made during the election campaign.

The APC’s pledge to continue delivering democratic dividends is expected to play a central role in the administration’s efforts to foster development and improve the quality of life for all Kogites.