People are worried about how the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and their candidate Muritala Ajaka are talking about the November 11, 2023 Kogi governorship election. They think SDP is trying to make the judges feel pressured.
These people, including Civil Society Organizations and observers of the election, say that SDP is not listening to their lawyers properly. They feel that SDP often complains about the election results without any proof. They believe that blaming groups like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judges is harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.
On Monday in Abuja, different groups, including the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, INEC-Accredited Observers, and Kogi Indigenous People Initiative, held a press conference. They said SDP should stop making fun of the judges and should wait for the court’s decision. They also reminded SDP that winning court cases requires real evidence, not just saying bad things to appear strong.
The National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, Ohalete Wisdom Kelechi, said that INEC and the Judiciary are important and should be protected from political attacks. He said that some political groups are causing unnecessary trouble and making people tense.
He stated, “Those who insult and threaten the judges do not care about our country.”
Mr. Emmanuel Oluwasegun, who observed the election, praised INEC for organizing what he called the fairest election in Kogi State. He acknowledged that while the SDP did well in the district of their candidate, they performed badly in other areas. He said that instead of accepting their loss, SDP leaders are causing problems.
Oluwasegun explained, “There was a fair election. INEC officials did a great job. The SDP did well in areas where they are popular, while the APC did well in other areas, leading to their win.”
He added that while it’s okay for parties to go to court if they feel something was wrong, calling names and spreading lies about the judiciary is not acceptable. He stressed that the judiciary will only listen to facts, not threats.
Dr. Oguche Benjamin, who leads the Indigenous People of Kogi State, accused SDP of creating division based on ethnicity and religion in the state. He said that SDP supporters harassed government officials who support APC and that this violence is unacceptable. Despite these challenges, the APC still won the election.
He said, “Both lower and appeal courts agreed with the election results. Making up fake numbers and spreading lies won’t help. You have to prove your claims with real evidence in court.”
The people from Kogi State advised SDP to change their tactics. They suggested that if Muritala Ajaka wants to run again in the future, he should avoid spreading hate and lies.
“The old ways won’t work anymore. You need to show real evidence in court,” they said.