The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Kogi governorship election, challenging the decisions of both the Tribunal and the Appeal Court.
The apex court, on Monday, said that the date for its final judgment will be communicated to the involved parties.
During the hearing, Ajaka’s legal team, led by Pius Akubo, SAN, requested that a full panel of the Supreme Court be constituted to hear the appeal, citing specific paragraphs in their brief.
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However, the court, led by Justice Garba Lawal, denied this request, stating that the election appeals are time-sensitive and a five-member panel has the jurisdiction to handle the matter.
Counsels representing the respondents opposed Ajaka’s application and urged the court to proceed with the hearing.
One of the respondents’ counsels, UC Ukala, SAN, argued that the Supreme Court had previously determined that a five-member panel is sufficient to address such applications.
Following this, the five-member panel continued with the hearing of the appeal.
JB Daudu, SAN, representing the second respondent, moved an application to strike out certain grounds in Ajaka’s appeal and raised a preliminary objection questioning the appeal’s competence.
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Meanwhile, Akubo urged the court to allow the appeal, overturn the Court of Appeal’s judgment, and declare Ajaka as the rightful winner of the Kogi Governorship election.
After hearing all arguments, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment, with the final decision to be announced at a later date.
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