Civil society organisations, INEC-accredited observers, and Kogi state indigenes have expressed strong disapproval of what they describe as “mindless blackmail” and propaganda campaigns by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, aimed at pressuring the Judiciary.
These groups argued that the continuous attacks on the Judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following every judgment highlight a concerning lack of understanding from the SDP and its candidate.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Coalition of CSOs, INEC-Accredited Observers in the November 11 Polls, and the Kogi Indigenous People Initiative condemned the SDP’s tactics.
They emphasised that court cases should be won based on facts and evidence rather than propaganda and intimidation. The groups called on security agencies to investigate and take action against those responsible for these unwarranted attacks.
Ohalete Wisdom Kelechi, national coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, stressed the importance of protecting critical institutions like the Judiciary and INEC from political prejudice. He warned that attacks on these institutions threaten democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
He said, “When the electoral body and the judiciary come under fierce attacks, coordinated propaganda and mindless blackmail, the pillar of democracy hangs in the balance and good governance will take a back seat.”
Emmanuel Oluwasegun, representing some INEC-accredited observers, praised INEC for conducting a credible election and criticized the SDP for disrupting the political atmosphere with baseless claims after failing to secure victory.
“No one is saying political parties cannot go to court to test their luck or seek justice if they think they have a case, but the resort to name calling, character assassination and propaganda against the Judiciary is seriously off the line and must be rebuked. The Judiciary doesn’t yield to intimidation. Prove your case with facts and in line with the Electoral Act,” he said.
Oguche Benjamin, leader of the Indigenous People of Kogi State, accused the SDP of fostering ethnic divisions and violence in Kogi East LGA. He urged the SDP to abandon divisive tactics and focus on constructive political strategies if they hope to succeed in future elections.
“This strategy is outdated and cannot sway the learned community, and definitely not the Judiciary,” they stated.
