The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State expresses deep concern and lack of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing experiences from the 2023 Kogi state governorship election and recent developments regarding the recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Our party notes with dismay that despite INEC’s previous statements to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders, in Kogi state and cancellation of election results from Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajoaokuta and Ogorimangogo Local Government, the commission proceeded to declare election results without adhering to the stipulated procedures, particularly regarding the actual accredited voters. This raises serious questions about INEC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring free and fair elections.
Furthermore, the SDP highlights the inconsistency in INEC’s pronouncements regarding the petition to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The commission initially declared the petition as not meeting the required standards, only to reverse its position within a short period. This erratic behavior undermines public trust and fuels suspicion of manipulation.
We call on all lovers of democracy worldwide to closely monitor the situation in Kogi State. The SDP questions how INEC could have confirmed the signatures of nearly 208,132 individuals, a figure that almost doubles the total number of voters in that election.
The SDP is deeply concerned about INEC’s demonstrated incompetence in past elections and will not fold our hands while the commission attempts to repeat its past mistakes at the detriment of Kogi citizens.
Signed,
Isaiah Davies Ijele
Press Secretary
SDP, Kogi State
04/04/2025j
