APC, SDP point fingers over post-judgment violence in Kogi

The Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has condemned the alleged violent attacks on its supporters and destruction of vehicles belonging to party members on the Supreme Court premises on Friday.

Director of Media and Publicity for the Kogi State APC Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, stated this in a statement in Lokoja.

He alleged that the attacks began when supporters of the Social Democratic Party started hurling stones, bottles, and plastic containers at APC supporters and leaders.

He said the incident happened immediately after the Supreme Court delivered its judgment affirming Governor Usman Ododo as the duly elected governor of Kogi State.

Mr Fanwo claimed that the SDP candidate, Murtala Ajaka, ignored the court’s advice to remain seated until matters were fully addressed and left the courtroom with his supporters as soon as the judgment was pronounced against him.

He added that upon noticing jubilant APC members on the court premises, Mr Ajaka’s supporters allegedly unleashed violence, attacking the celebrating APC members and causing significant disruption.

The party noted that it condemned the actions of the SDP supporters, describing them as “undemocratic” and “uncivilised.”

However, the party thanked God for preserving the mandate of the Kogi Sttae people at the Supreme Court and promised to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to residents in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Responding to the APC allegation, Spokesperson for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council of the state SDP, Isaiah Ijele, described the APC’s claim as false and pretentious.

Mr Ijele said it was the SDP’s governorship candidate, Ajaka, and his supporters who were attacked and not APC supporters on the Supreme Court premises.

He said, “We should be the ones complaining and condemning the actions of the APC supporters on our supporters and not the other way round.’’

(NAN)