Kogi State Governor Urged to Unite All Political Parties After Court Victory

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a plea to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, urging him not to target or ostracise any political parties in the state following the conclusion of the legal challenge to his election victory.

The appeal came in the wake of the Supreme Court’s judgement, which affirmed Ododo as the legitimate winner of the 11th November 2023 governorship election.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Kogi State Chairman of CNPP, Comrade Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, expressed his thoughts on the matter, emphasising the importance of moving beyond political rivalries for the sake of effective governance in Kogi State.

Abdullahi highlighted that the time has come for the current administration to focus on uniting all stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure the collective progress of the state.

Abdullahi’s remarks underscore the need for Governor Ododo to avoid any form of retribution against those who contested his electoral victory in court.

He warned that such actions could be detrimental not only to the administration’s credibility but also to the unity and stability of Kogi State as a whole.

“It would be counterproductive for Governor Ododo to embark on a campaign of retribution against opposition parties simply because they exercised their legal right to challenge the election results,” Abdullahi cautioned. “Instead, the governor should seek to bring everyone on board, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and cooperation.”

The CNPP Chairman further called on Governor Ododo to view those who challenged his election in court not as adversaries but as integral participants in the democratic process.

He stressed that the legal battle was a legitimate part of Nigeria’s democratic framework, and now that the judiciary has made its final decision, it is imperative for all parties to set aside their differences and work together for the betterment of Kogi State.

“Governor Ododo should make a conscious effort to include individuals from all political backgrounds in his administration’s policies and programmes,” Abdullahi continued.

“Now that the judicial process has concluded, the focus should shift to governance, with a commitment to serve all citizens of Kogi State, regardless of their political loyalties.”

In addition to congratulating Governor Ododo on his legal victory, Abdullahi condemned the recent violent incidents involving political supporters at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

He characterised such actions as undemocratic and harmful to the nation’s political environment.

The CNPP Chairman urged all political actors and their supporters to embrace peace and tolerance, especially in the aftermath of the court’s judgement.

“The recent attacks by some political supporters at the Supreme Court are deeply troubling and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Abdullahi stated.

“Such behaviour undermines the very principles of democracy that we all stand for. It is crucial that all parties involved in the political process demonstrate respect for the rule of law and the institutions that uphold it.”

Abdullahi’s call for unity and inclusiveness comes at a critical time for Kogi State, as Governor Ododo’s administration faces the task of addressing the state’s socio-economic challenges.

The CNPP’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among political observers that the post-election period should be one of reconciliation and nation-building, rather than division and hostility.

Governor Ododo’s response to this appeal could set the tone for his tenure in office.

If he chooses to heed the advice of the CNPP and other stakeholders, his administration could be characterised by a spirit of collaboration and progress.

However, if he opts for a path of political retribution, it could lead to increased tensions and hinder the state’s development.

As the dust settles on the election and the subsequent legal battles, the people of Kogi State will be looking to their governor for leadership that transcends political divisions.

The ultimate success of Ododo’s administration will depend not only on its policies but also on its ability to foster unity and cooperation among all segments of society.