In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has definitively affirmed Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan as the rightful representative of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
This decision comes after a protracted legal battle and controversy surrounding the 2023 elections.
The initial declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had named Abubakar Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election held on February 25. However, Akpoti-Uduagan, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), immediately challenged the outcome, alleging that her mandate had been stolen by the ruling APC.
The turning point in this legal saga occurred in September when the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Lokoja, nullified the election of Abubakar Ohere, effectively casting doubt on the initial INEC result.
Undeterred, Ohere proceeded to the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the tribunal’s ruling and reassert his claim to victory. Unfortunately for him, the appellate court has now handed down a verdict that further reinforces Akpoti-Uduagan’s position as the legitimate winner of the poll.
In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal firmly dismissed Ohere’s appeal, citing a lack of merit in his case.
