Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has stated that the Supreme Court’s recent judgment in his favour is not a personal triumph but a victory for the people who came out to vote for him on November 11, 2023.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude: “I feel elated not just because of our victory but about how the judiciary held onto the point of law and ensured justice in this matter.
The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. They were threatened, they were called names, they were intimidated, but they have held onto the point of law. This victory is not about me but for the people who trooped out on Nov. 11, 2023, to vote,” he said.
He extended an invitation to Senator Dino Melaye, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 gubernatorial election, to collaborate with him to advance the state’s progress.
Governor Ododo also reached out to other opposition parties and candidates, including Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“We have always extended the olive branch to them to join us to move Kogi forward. Kogi remains our state, and we want to come together to discuss the affairs of the state.
It is not a personal fight; it is a contestation to hold power on behalf of the people, to serve them. It is not proper to stop a child from coming to his house. Our philosophy is to build the APC to win the election,” Ododo stated.
The Governor praised the Supreme Court for affirming his election as Kogi’s governor, calling it the “last hope of the common man.” Speaking to journalists in Abuja following the judgment, Ododo commended the apex court for withstanding intimidation and upholding the people’s will.
He also dedicated his victory to God Almighty and President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to reinforcing the judiciary’s independence.
Addressing questions about his expectations before the judgment, Ododo expressed confidence in the election process: “The election was conducted credibly and transparently. In the history of Kogi, it was the most peaceful election, and we won.”
Ododo assured that despite the litigation, his administration remained focused on delivering effective governance.
“I was elected as the chief servant of the state to serve the people, and as such, my team and I remain committed to the reason why we were elected, so it has never distracted me,” he concluded.
