Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Kogi State governorship election, alongside hundreds of his supporters, stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday to protest the election outcome.
Recall that INEC had declared the APC candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, the winner with 446,237 votes, placing Ajaka in second with 259,052 votes, and Dino Melaye of the PDP in third with 46,362 votes.
During the protest, participants urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to resign or declare Ajaka as the winner within the seven-day scrutiny window.
According to Sahara Reporters, heavy security was observed at the INEC headquarters during the demonstration.
The protesters raised concerns about overvoting in Kogi Central’s five local government areas, questioning why results were accepted instead of canceled.
Ajaka, expressing dissatisfaction with the election, alleged rigging with INEC’s support.
He warned of potential anarchy if the results were allowed to stand.
While appearing on Channels TV’s ‘The 2023 Verdict: Off-Cycle Elections,’ previously stated that challenging the election in court would be futile, considering INEC’s involvement.
He expressed disappointment and warned that allowing the results to stand would provoke trouble in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for transparency in the electoral process