The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeals filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the 2023 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.
Ajaka and Sylva challenged the declarations made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the elections in their respective states. The Supreme Court’s decision to delay judgment comes after the Appeal Court upheld the tribunal judgments in both cases.
In Kogi State, Ajaka alleged irregularities and manipulations in the Appeal Court’s judgment, which upheld the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of the APC. In Bayelsa State, Sylva expressed dissatisfaction with the result of the governorship election, leading to his appeal.
The Supreme Court’s reserved judgment means that a final decision has not yet been made, leaving the outcome of the elections uncertain. The delay has sparked anticipation and tension among supporters of the candidates and the general public.