SDP Alleges ‘Massive Attacks’ on Members who Testify Before Kogi Guber Tribunal
POLITICS DIGEST – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has alleged escalating attacks on its members in Kogi State following their testimonies at the gubernatorial election tribunal.
The National Chairman of the SDP, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has in a statement in Abuja on Friday called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and national security agencies to address what the party views as a dangerous trend that undermines the nation’s democracy.
During a press conference, Gabam highlighted the dire situation, saying, “Immediately after the testimonies at the Petition Tribunal which sat on 28 March 2024, there were sporadic attacks on the lives and properties of members who testified for SDP as well as attacks on their families and shops in Kogi State.”
“The incidents reported include vandalism, arson, and severe physical assaults, underscoring a climate of fear and intimidation against SDP members engaging with the democratic process,” the statement alleged.
The violence detailed by the party includes the burning of homes and businesses belonging to their members and supporters.
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One of the most harrowing accounts according to them involved a pregnant woman, the wife of Mr. Dahiru Orietesu, who “was badly beaten, and she is still hospitalised at the time of this report,” as per Gabam’s address.
Gabam also referenced previous communications with the Inspector General of Police, in which the party had warned about the potential for violence: “We called the attention of the IGP to the emergent threats to peace and security in Kogi State which portend significant dangers of national dimensions and requested your-good-self for swift and effective intervention to restore law and order and security to avert unwarranted escalation within the State or to national disaster.”
The party also presented evidence of the attacks, with both the National Secretary and National Legal Adviser showcasing photos of the damage inflicted upon party members’ properties.
SDP said by highlighting the violence and intimidation faced by those who participated in the tribunal process, the it aims to draw national attention to the situation and prompt a robust response from the highest levels of government.
“As the tribunal proceedings continue, the situation in Kogi State represents a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy and its ability to protect the rights and safety of all citizens engaged in the electoral process,” Gabam explained.
SDP and its candidate, Muritala Ajala has approached the election petition tribunal challenging the victory of Usman Ododo of the APC in the November gubernatorial election in the state as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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