Over 50 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have jointly called on the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign, following a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, the returning officer who declared Akpabio winner of the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election.
The appellate court in Calabar reaffirmed the three-year prison sentence handed to Prof. Ogban for manipulating the election results in Akpabio’s favour while he contested under the All Progressives Congress.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the CSOs said, “This ruling raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of Senator Akpabio’s mandate. It is deeply troubling that the very election which brought him to the Senate has now been confirmed in court to be tainted by fraud.”
While Akpabio has denied involvement in the electoral malpractice, the CSOs insist that the conviction of the official who oversaw and declared the result demands action.
They emphasized the need for Akpabio to temporarily vacate his position in order to preserve public trust and uphold the integrity of democratic institutions.
READ ALSO: Court upholds Ogban’s jail term for election fraud
The statement further queried whether Akpabio, having benefited from confirmed electoral fraud in 2019, had the moral or legal standing to contest for the 10th Senate—let alone serve as Senate President.
“This is not about one individual. It is about protecting the credibility of our democracy. Ignoring this sends a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 elections,” the groups warned.
The CSOs applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and former Akwa Ibom REC, Mike Igini, for ensuring the investigation and prosecution of the case.
They urged INEC, the judiciary, and the National Assembly to treat the judgment as a wake-up call to fortify electoral integrity nationwide.
Additionally, they called on the APC to back its rhetoric on electoral reform with action by initiating a rerun or revalidation for the disputed senatorial seat.
“The judiciary has delivered justice. It’s now up to the political system to show that no one, not even the Senate President, is above the law,” the CSOs concluded.
The Conclave
