The National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja witnessed a demonstration led by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Kogi State governorship election. Ajaka, accompanied by hundreds of supporters, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the election held on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
INEC had declared Ahmed Usman Ododo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner with 446,237 votes. Muritala Ajaka secured the second position with 259,052 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, came third with 46,362 votes.
Protesting outside the INEC headquarters on Tuesday, Ajaka and his supporters called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to either resign or declare Ajaka the winner within the seven-day window provided by law for scrutiny.
The protesters specifically pointed to alleged overvoting in the Kogi Central Senatorial District across its five local government areas. They expressed shock that the results were accepted instead of being canceled.
During the demonstration, heavy security presence was observed at the INEC headquarters gate and its surroundings.
The SDP candidate and his supporters are demanding a thorough review of the election results, highlighting concerns about irregularities and questioning the credibility of the outcome. The call for the resignation of the INEC Chairman adds intensity to the growing tension surrounding the aftermath of the Kogi State governorship election.
