Appeal Court Dismisses Smart Adeyemi Appeal Against Ododo’s Candidacy

On Friday, the Court of Appeal in Abuja rejected Senator Smart Adeyemi‘s appeal to nullify the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi State governorship primary election that nominated Ahmed Usman Ododo for the November 11 poll.

The Court of Appeal in its ruling held that the appeal argued by Adekunle Oladapo Otitoju on behalf of Senator Adeyemi was completely bereft of merit and was thrown out.

The unanimous decision of the three-judge panel stated that Adeyemi, a recent representative of Kogi West Senatorial District, couldn’t substantiate claims against the APC primary’s conduct.

Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaib, delivering the main verdict, stated Adeyemi’s accusations of primary election result manipulations needed stronger proof.

He also rejected Adeyemi’s claim of being denied a fair hearing by the APC’s Appeal Committee, noting this wasn’t initially raised at the Federal High Court.

In the absence of cogent and verifiable evidence on the part of Adeyemi, the Court of Appeal held that his allegations remained mere assertions that could not enjoy any probative value.

Justice Shuaib proceeded to dismiss the appeal for want of merit.

The Court of Appeal concurred with the earlier verdict from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which highlighted that Adeyemi couldn’t verify allegations against Ododo’s nomination by the APC.