Another Group of CSOs Rallies Behind  Akpabio, Counters Initial Call for Resignation

Another Group of CSOs Rallies Behind  Akpabio, Counters Initial Call for Resignation

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

In a defense of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a coalition of civil society organizations has issued a counter press conference to refute the recent call for his resignation.

The joint statement, released on Friday by the Arewa Revival Project, Society for Advancement of Credible Leadership Ideas and Observation, Mass Integration for Peace Initiative in Nigeria, Arewa Youth Development, and National Youth Mobilisation For Good Leadership, emphasized the need for fact-based discourse in Nigeria’s politics, particularly in light of the misleading narratives surrounding the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban.

The coalition expressed serious concern over the joint press statement from a coalition of 56 civil society organizations, including SERAP, CISLAC and HEDA, which called for Akpabio’s resignation based on Ogban’s judicial conviction related to the 2019 senatorial elections.

“We stand united in our belief that the recent calls for the resignation of Senator Akpabio are not only unfounded but also a disservice to the democratic process. It is imperative that we base our judgments on facts rather than emotions or sensationalism,” the group stated.

The statement highlighted the complexities surrounding the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial Election, where Akpabio, who had transitioned from the PDP to the APC, faced off against Senator Chris Ekpeyong.

The coalition pointed out that Ogban, serving as the INEC Returning Officer, declared Ekpeyong the winner, not Akpabio. “The facts are clear: Prof. Ogban unlawfully cancelled 61,329 votes from Akpabio’s stronghold, which significantly tilted the election results,” the coalition noted.

Furthermore, the coalition referenced the subsequent legal battles Akpabio faced in his quest to reclaim his mandate.

“The Election Petition Tribunal acknowledged irregularities in the election process, as reported by Punch on September 12, 2019, stating, ‘Tribunal robbed Senator Akpabio of victory – Justice Hafizu,'” they added. “Ultimately, the Court of Appeal ruled in Akpabio’s favor, ordering a rerun in Essien Udim LGA due to proven malpractice by Prof. Ogban.”

The coalition also addressed the irony of the situation, questioning how Akpabio could be labeled a beneficiary of electoral fraud when he was, in fact, a victim. “Some commentators have falsely claimed that Ogban rigged the election for Akpabio, but the evidence shows otherwise. Ogban declared Akpabio’s opponent the winner and was later convicted for manipulating results against Akpabio,” they asserted.

In light of Ogban’s conviction for electoral fraud, the coalition urged Nigerians to critically evaluate the narratives being circulated.

“The court’s findings were clear: Ogban’s actions were detrimental to Akpabio’s interests. It is crucial for the public and the media to engage in fact-checking and to avoid spreading misinformation that can undermine our democracy,” the emphasized.

The coalition therefore called for a collective effort to demand accountability from the media and commentators.

“We must prioritize fact-based reporting and hold those who spread false narratives accountable.  Democracy thrives on truth, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the facts are not overshadowed by emotions or sensationalism,” they urged.