Politics
Election Rigging: Nigerians React As Appeal Court Upholds Prof Ogban’s Conviction
Mixed reactions have trailed the judgment by the Court of Appeal in Calabar which upheld the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban for his role in manipulating the outcome of the 2019 senatorial election in Akwa Ibom North-West District in favour of now Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Prof. Ogban, a Soil Science Professor and Returning Officer for the election, was first convicted in 2021 by a State High Court in Uyo for announcing falsified results in two local government areas—Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo—thereby unlawfully inflating the vote tally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Akpabio, at the expense of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In its judgment on Wednesday, the appellate court not only upheld the original verdict but also condemned Prof Ogban’s abuse of academic and professional trust, describing his actions as a betrayal of public confidence in the electoral process.
The Tide’s source quoted a former senior official at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as confirming the development.
Following this, some Nigerians took to social media platforms to share their thoughts.
Lawal Ahmed wrote, “Then, what’s Akpabio still doing in the upper chamber?”
Peter Johnson: “What pains me most is how Professors who spent years to research and teach would come and rig elections for politicians some of whom don’t even have complete WAEC result”
Dave Adode: “Good for him. Akpabio should also face the penalty. This should serve as a lesson for others. The Professor has finally dragged his own name in the mud, his family will suffer shame and he cannot enjoy the money as desired. He probably has used the money to pay lawyers. Money don go; prison don come, Akpabio dey free.”
Idowu Fasakin: “Then he should vacate the seat immediately as Senate President”
Olusegun Adeyemi: “Akpabio never contested election for the Senate, it was the judge that declared him winner that’s he is supposed to be in Jail.”
Edward Oguima: “It serves the professor right. A country where politicians use academicians to rig elections and then refuse to pay them their entitlements. Akpabio is walking free & even elevated to Senate President. Nigeria, my country.”
During the original trial, Prof Ogban admitted under oath to falsifying results by adding 5,000 fake votes in Oruk Anam to APC’s score.
Despite his plea for leniency, the trial judge, Justice Augustine Odokwo, noted that the case was a “novel” one and insisted that the law must take its course.
The 2019 election saw the PDP candidate, Chris Ekpenyong, a former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, defeat Sen. Akpabio in an election marred by irregularities and violence.
Sen. Akpabio later returned in 2023, contested again, and was declared winner, eventually emerging as President of the Nigerian Senate.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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