The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to protect all individuals involved in the ongoing legal tussle at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The party, in a statement signed by Isaiah Davies Ijele, Director New Media, Muri/Sam Campaign Council/SDP, also called for a thorough investigation into reported violence and intimidation of persons involved in the tribunal process.
Ijele insisted that persons testifying at the tribunal as witnesses are being attacked and subjected to intimidation.
“Witnesses who have come forward to testify about over voting and irregularities during the November 11, 2023 in Kogi State election have been allegedly subjected to violence and intimidation
“Their properties have been vandalized and burnt, with reports of a pregnant woman being assaulted. These acts are unacceptable and are creating a climate of fear that discourages individuals from participating in a peaceful judicial process. If unchecked, this can undermine our democracy in Nigeria.
“The presentation of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) data has revealed significant discrepancies, indicating potential over voting in all wards and polling units presented thus far, raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the election results declared by INEC.
“An affidavit submitted by Mr. Usman Ododo, the APC candidate, has been verified as fake by the High Court Registrar at the tribunal. This blatant attempt to mislead the INEC undermines the integrity of the entire process.
“Moreso, it should be a matter of great concern to every citizen of Kogi state and lover of democracy in Nigeria if a supposed governor has no substantial document of his claimed academic qualifications and could present a fake affidavit of declaration of age and loss of documents,” he said.
Ijele also expressed worries that some persons are spreading misleading information about proceedings at the tribunal.
