Toba Owojaiye Reporting
In a closely contested battle for the Kogi Central Senatorial Election, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerged victorious, according to the ruling by the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal.
This election was a fierce competition, with Akpoti-Uduaghan securing 51,763 votes, narrowly defeating her closest rival, Ohere, from the opposing party, who garnered 52,132 votes. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victory was particularly impressive as she managed to secure victories in four out of the five local government areas that make up the senatorial district.
It’s worth noting that this victory marks a significant turnaround for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had previously lost the Kogi Central Senatorial seat to Sadiku-Ohere in the February 25th polls by a margin of 369 votes. However, she took her case to the election petition tribunal, seeking a declaration of her as the rightful winner.
During the tribunal proceedings, lawyers representing Sadiku-Ohere, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) argued that her petition lacked merit and should be dismissed. Nevertheless, in a surprising turn of events, the tribunal, led by Justice K.A. Ojiako, declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the winner on September 6, 2023, making her a historic figure as the first female senator in Kogi State.
This development has significant implications for the political landscape in Kogi State and underscores the importance of the electoral petition process in upholding the principles of democracy. #Nigeriadecide2023 #PEPTJudgement