Group Cautions CSOs Against Calls For Akpabio’s Resignation

The Arewa Revival Project, Society for the Advancement of Credible Leadership Ideas and Observation, and Mass Integration for Peace Initiative in Nigeria have rejected 56 civil society organisations (CSOs’) call for the resignation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

In a joint statement, the groups expressed concern over a recent press release by the coalition, which includes SERAP and HEDA, demanding Akpabio’s resignation based on Professor Peter Ogban’s 2021 conviction for electoral malpractice in the 2019 senatorial elections.

They cautioned that in Nigeria’s heated political environment, emotions often override facts, particularly concerning elections. They argued that the narrative suggesting Akpabio benefited from electoral fraud is false and misleading.

According to the groups, the February 23, 2019 election was contested between Senator Godswill Akpabio (APC), then a former senate minority leader and later minister of Niger Delta affairs, and Senator Chris Ekpeyong (PDP), who was declared winner by INEC returning officer, Prof. Peter Ogban.

They highlighted that Peter Ogban unlawfully cancelled 61,329 votes from Akpabio’s stronghold in Essien Udim LGA, which tilted the outcome in favour of Ekpeyong.

Evidence presented in court showed Ogban falsified results to benefit the PDP candidate.

Akpabio challenged the results at the tribunal. On September 12, 2019, Punch reported that “the tribunal robbed Senator Akpabio of victory – Justice Hafizu,” acknowledging the irregularities. On November 10, 2019, the Court of Appeal nullified the election and ordered a rerun in Essien Udim LGA due to established malpractices by Ogban.

The groups questioned how Akpabio could be accused of benefiting from a fraud that cost him the election.

They further clarified:

Ogban declared Akpabio’s opponent the winner, and Akpabio had to seek redress in court. Ogban was convicted for actions that disadvantaged Akpabio rather than benefiting him.

In March 2021, a High Court in Akwa Ibom convicted Prof. Ogban for manipulating election results. The court found he acted in favour of Ekpeyong (PDP), not Akpabio (APC). The Appeal Court upheld the conviction.

The groups criticised those spreading what they described as false narratives, attributing the misinformation to a lack of fact-checking, political bias, and sensationalism in media reporting.

The CSOs concluded that Akpabio was a victim, not a beneficiary, of electoral fraud, adding that Ogban acted against Akpabio’s interest. They said Nigerians must prioritise fact-based analysis over emotional or political rhetoric.

They urged journalists, lawyers, and civil society actors to consult verified court documents and judgments, including:

Punch (Sept 12, 2019): “Tribunal robbed Senator Akpabio of victory – Justice Hafizu” Punch (Nov 10, 2019): “Akpabio wins appeal, court orders rerun in LG.”

Court of Appeal Judgement (CA/C/EPT/NA/31/2019), High Court of Akwa Ibom (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/01/2021), The Nation (June 23, 2019): “Tribunal: Drama as witness presents document confirming Akpabio won with wide margin.”