- Safiu Kehinde
All Progressive Congress’ (APC) Kogi State Chapter, has condemned the alleged attack on its party members by supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
This was contained in a statement issued by Kogi APC Campaign Council’s spokesperson, Kingsley Fanwo, in reaction to the mayhem which ensued after Supreme Court’s verdict today.
The apex court had ruled in favour of the APC’s governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, who was affirmed as the winner of 2023 Kogi governorship election.
According to the statement, SDP’s governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka, had left the court room with his supporters after the verdict.
Ajaka’s supporters had allegedly unleashed violence on the jubilant APC members, hurling stones, bottles, and plastic containers at the ruling party’s members while also vandalizing their vehicles.
The statement read in part; “The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the violent attacks on its supporters and the destruction of vehicles belonging to party members at the Supreme Court premises on Friday.
“The attacks reportedly began when supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) started hurling stones, bottles, and plastic containers at APC supporters and leaders immediately after the Supreme Court delivered its judgment affirming Governor Usman Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.
“During the ruling, the Court had advised all parties and their supporters present in the courtroom to remain seated until all matters before it were fully addressed. However, the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, ignored this advice and left the courtroom with his supporters as soon as the judgment was pronounced against him.
“Upon noticing the jubilant APC members within the court premises, Ajaka’s supporters allegedly unleashed violence, attacking the celebrating APC members and causing significant disruption.
“The APC in Kogi State has condemned these actions, describing them as undemocratic and uncivilized.
“The party however thanked God for preserving the mandate of the people at the Supreme Court, promising to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to all Kogites in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”