- Group calls for respect for rule of law and judicial process
A youth advocacy group in Kogi State, Kogi Central Youth for Change, has raised concerns over what it describes as alleged intimidation, harassment and abuse of power directed at Hon. Onimisi Okami, following his decision to seek judicial intervention over alleged irregularities in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency in Kogi Central.
Okami, who recently contested the APC primary for the seat, approached the court to challenge the process that produced Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf as the party’s candidate, citing alleged irregularities.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Ibrahim Yusuf Adeiza, the group said rather than allowing the matter to proceed through the appropriate judicial channels, there have allegedly been attempts by persons linked to the Kogi State Government to intimidate, harass, blackmail and pressure Okami into withdrawing the case.
The organization described the alleged actions as deeply concerning, particularly in a democracy where citizens retain the constitutional right to seek legal redress when they believe their rights or interests have been violated.
“We are concerned about reports of threats, harassment and pressure allegedly being mounted on Hon. Onimisi Okami to abandon his legitimate pursuit of justice through the courts,” the group said. “If these allegations are found to be true, they represent a troubling attempt to interfere with the judicial process and undermine democratic principles.”
Kogi Central Youth for Change emphasized that approaching the court should not be treated as an act of disloyalty or opposition to government, describing it instead as a legitimate democratic avenue available to any citizen seeking clarification or redress over a disputed political process.
The group called on the Kogi State Government and all individuals connected to the matter to allow the court to carry out its constitutional responsibility without interference, intimidation or undue pressure. It further urged Okami to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing his case through the appropriate legal channels.
“We believe that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, internal democratic mechanisms and, where necessary, the courts — not through intimidation or the abuse of political influence,” the statement added.
The group also called on relevant authorities, political leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders in Kogi State to pay attention to the situation and ensure that the right to seek justice, freedom from intimidation and respect for the rule of law are protected.
Kogi Central Youth for Change maintained that the matter should not be viewed merely as a contest between individuals, but as a test of the commitment of political actors to internal democracy, fairness, justice and the rule of law, stressing that Kogi Central deserves a political environment where citizens can challenge perceived irregularities without fear, intimidation or persecution.
