Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and INEC-accredited observers from the November 11, 2023, Kogi State governorship election, alongside indigenous people of the state, have expressed their concerns over what they describe as excessive blackmail and “propaganda taken too far” by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka. They believe these actions are intended to exert undue pressure on the Judiciary.
The groups have criticized the SDP and Ajaka for their continuous attacks on the Judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following judgments related to the governorship election. They argue that these attacks reflect a lack of understanding and proper legal guidance on the part of the SDP and Ajaka.
During a joint press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Coalition of CSOs, INEC-accredited Observers from the November 11 election, and the Kogi Indigenous People Initiative condemned the SDP’s alleged attempts to undermine the Judiciary and INEC without presenting substantial evidence. They warned that such actions are detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law and should prompt investigation and potential arrest by security agencies.
The groups reminded the SDP and Ajaka that success in court relies on facts and evidence, not on propaganda, intimidation, or public disparagement. Ohalete Wisdom Kelechi, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of safeguarding INEC and the Judiciary from political prejudice.
He said, “We are concerned that some political interests have continued to stoke embers of hate, further heightening the tension in the land.
“It must be clearly stated that those who have continued to abuse, harass, lampoon, insult and even attempt to induce officers of the judiciary do not mean well for our country.
“When the electoral body and the judiciary come under fierce attacks, coordinated propaganda and mindless blackmail, the pillar of democracy hangs in the balance and good governance will take a back seat.”
Also addressing the press on behalf of some INEC-accredited observers, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwasegun praised INEC for conducting what many have hailed as the freest and fairest election since the creation of Kogi State.
Oluwasegun noted that while the SDP achieved notable success in the Senatorial District of its candidate, it performed poorly in the other two senatorial districts of the state. Despite this, he observed that key leaders of the SDP have continued to disrupt the political climate with their complaints over the election outcome, reflecting their frustration over the failure to secure victory.
Oluwasegun said, “It is important to note that there was an election which was credible in all its ramifications. INEC officials were at their best from what we witnessed and from reports by foreign observers.
“The SDP won in local governments where its popularity is organic. It was able to mobilise people to vote for the party. The APC utilised its popularity in the state to mobilise the needed support in all the local governments. It did very well in both the West and Central districts, winning overwhelmingly in the district of its candidate. This resulted in about 190,000 votes difference between it and the closest rival.”
“No one is saying political parties cannot go to court to test their luck or seek justice if they think they have a case, but the resort to name calling, character assassination and propaganda against the Judiciary is seriously off the line and must be rebuked. The Judiciary doesn’t yield to intimidation. Prove your case with facts and in line with the Electoral Act,” he said.
Also in his remarks, the leader of the Indigenous People of Kogi State, Oguche Benjamin PhD, who is also from Kogi East, said some politically exposed persons had caused a wide division between the ethnic and religious divides in the state, which had led to avoidable tension, urging them to exercise caution in their utterances.
Dr. Oguche accused the SDP of promoting ethnic divisions, hate, and violence against non-SDP members in Kogi East LGA. He said several high-profile government officials were hounded by SDP-sponsored and known Igala military personnel who were sent home on specific assignments to arrest, beat, illegally detain, and torture known APC leaders and stakeholders.
He insisted that the violence, intimidation and attacks meted on APC members, which he witnessed, firsthand, were “unimaginably unjustifiable and unacceptable”, adding that despite all that, the APC still won the election convincingly.
“The lower tribunal and appeal courts gave the same judgement, in line with what local and international observers saw. Why concocting non-existent figures all in the name of desperation and for propaganda? The law is blind to sentiments or hooliganism. What matters is proving your case in court beyond reasonable doubt and nothing but that,” he said.
The Kogi indigenes, therefore, advised the SDP candidate to rebrand his politics away from hate peddling and outdated propaganda if he wants to try his luck at the next governorship election in the state.
“This strategy is outdated and cannot sway the learned community, and definitely not the Judiciary,” they stated.
