Politics
ACPN Charts Path To Fair Polls
The National Secretary of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, has called on other politicians and the Independent Electoral commission (INEC) to play by the rules,
To help to improve democracy in Nigeria.
“INEC and all politicians should demonstrate to other Nigerians and the rest of the world that they are competent and capable of conducting free, fair and peaceful elections.
“This can be only be done if they all work according to the laws as entrenched in the Electoral Act and the country’s Constitution,’’ he said.
Galadima said there would not be post-election crises and any other conflict if there was sincerity on the part of government particularly to conduct free and fair elections.
He said “challenges in the Nigerian electoral process and the insincerity of influential members of the political class must be tackled for the 2015 elections to be meaningful’’.
The politician said this would enhance the right atmosphere that would help the leaders to achieve and create the needed dividends of democracy.
He said taking such steps was an absolute necessity, as Nigerians have made enormous sacrifices in seeking an enduring democratic process since 1999.
“Only some significant members of the political class have shown they have less commitment to a free and fair electoral process.
“But when all of us play by the rule, democracy will be deeply rooted in this country,’’ Galadima said.
He however noted that democracy has been deepening its roots in the country with regular and improved elections.
“This can however only be sustained when politicians develop the necessary attitude and right courage to participate in the electoral process with good intentions.
“In addition to that, they should also learn to accept the wishes of the people for whoever emerges the winner to take his position,’’ the ACPN official said.
He said any failure to do this would seriously jeopardise the sustainability and stability of the nation’s democracy. “There is no democracy anywhere in the world that is perfect. But more needs to be done for the betterment of the nation,’’ Galadima said.
During a press conference held in Owerri, the coalition called the campaign a “dangerous and shameful display” designed to distract the public from the governor’s performance in office.
The CSOs directly linked the Greater Imo Initiative (GII) —the group that made the allegations on September 4, 2025—to Governor Uzodimma, describing the group as his “mouthpiece and attack dog.”
“Every word spoken against INEC was spoken on his behalf.
“By falsely alleging that Professor Yakubu has an alliance with Dr. Amadi to compromise the 2027 elections, Uzodimma has not only maligned a man of proven integrity but also assaulted the very foundation of our democracy”, said Dr Agbo Frederick, speaking for the coalition.
The coalition described Professor Yakubu as a “beacon of electoral professionalism” and called the attempt to soil his reputation “defamatory and a national security risk.”
They also defended Dr. Amadi, a “respected development scholar,” stating that the governor’s accusations were “laughable, desperate, and dangerous.”
The CSOs see the motive behind the campaign as an attempt to “silence the dissent, intimidate the opposition, and divert attention from the governor’s abysmal record in office.”
The coalition issued four key demands to Governor Uzodimma: An immediate retraction of the false and defamatory allegations against Professor Mahmood Yakubu and Dr. Chima Amadi.
- A public apology to both men within seven days, to be published in at least three national newspapers and broadcast on major television networks.
- An end to diversionary tactics and proxy propaganda.
- A renewed focus on governance, including addressing insecurity, unemployment, and poverty in Imo State.
The CSOs warned that failure to comply would force them to “review our position with a view to seeking legal redress from Governor Uzodimma for defamation, false accusation, and reckless endangerment of lives.”
“Governor Uzodimma must be reminded that he did not find himself in the seat of power to chase shadows.
“We call on all Nigerians to reject Uzodimma’s diversionary antics as they are nothing short of desperate plots by a government terrified of accountability”, the statement concluded.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that preventing the senator from resuming her legislative duties violates democratic principles and disenfranchises her constituents.
“The suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, has lapsed. Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is therefore both illegal and morally indefensible,” Mallam Abdullahi said.
The party noted that denying Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan access to the chamber silences the voice of the people who elected her, adding that the withdrawal of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension amounted to excessive punishment.
The ADC also criticised the Clerk of the National Assembly for declining to process her resumption on grounds that the matter was before the courts, arguing that the Clerk’s role was administrative, not judicial.
“Administrative caution must not translate into complicity. When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished,” the party stated.
Highlighting that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, the ADC warned that the handling of the case sends a discouraging signal about gender inclusion in Nigerian politics.
“Any action that resembles gender intimidation of the few women in the Senate would only discourage women’s participation. Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while excluding half of its population from key decision-making spaces,” Mallam Abdullahi added.
The ADC insisted that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her seat immediately, stressing that the matter was about more than one individual.
“What is at stake here is not just one Senate seat, but the integrity of our democracy itself,” the party said.
