The court upheld a suspended six-month prison sentence handed down for defamation, a conviction that had already been confirmed on appeal in 2023.

The ruling effectively ends Sonko’s chances of appearing on the ballot, despite his earlier assertions that he would continue to challenge the verdict.

Following the decision, Sonko announced he had approached the Ministry of Justice with a request to reopen all pending legal cases against him. He has consistently claimed that the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to block his path to the Presidency.

Among the cases in question is a conviction in absentia for corrupting a minor, as well as allegations of inciting unrest and several other offences.  

--ChannelAfrica--