Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja, in a ruling on Tuesday, affirmed Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the Kogi Central Senatorial Election held in February 2023. This decision comes as the court dismissed the appeal filed by Abubakar Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a lack of merit.
The state’s Election Petitions Tribunal had previously declared Akpoti-Uduagan as the victor in the Kogi Central Senatorial election in September, simultaneously invalidating the victory of Ohere. The Tribunal, presided over by Justice K. A. Orjiako, delivered a unanimous judgment, revealing that Ohere’s results were inflated in nine polling units in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area. Furthermore, it was disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had reduced Natasha’s results in those areas while also omitting the results of three other polling units meant for Natasha in the same LGA.
Following the Tribunal’s verdict, Abubakar Ohere pursued an appeal, but the Court of Appeal upheld the decision that Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan was the rightful winner of the election.
In response to the Court of Appeal’s decision, Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan expressed her joy and gratitude on her official Facebook page, stating, “We won the Appeal. Joy amidst tears. Thank you Kogi Central. This is us together 🙏🏽”. This victory underscores the significance of the court’s role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process and upholding the democratic rights of the people.