By Ayodele Oni
A coalition of 56 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to step down following the Court of Appeal’s confirmation of electoral fraud in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial election.
The Court, sitting in Calabar, upheld a three-year prison sentence against Prof Peter Ogban, the Returning Officer in that election, who was convicted of falsifying results to favour Akpabio, then the APC candidate.
In a joint statement, the CSOs said: “This ruling raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of Senator Akpabio’s mandate.”
They argue that even though Akpabio denies personal involvement, the conviction of the official who declared him winner casts a shadow on the process.
They are demanding that Akpabio temporarily vacate his position to uphold public trust, democratic values, and the rule of law.
The groups also questioned his eligibility to contest the 2023 elections, given the court-confirmed fraud linked to his 2019 victory—an office he later left to serve as Minister of Niger Delta.
The CSOs praised INEC and former Akwa Ibom REC, Mike Igini, for pursuing the case to a conclusion and urged the APC to initiate a rerun or revalidation of the senatorial seat to reinforce public confidence.
“The judiciary has spoken. It is now up to political leaders to act responsibly and prove that no one is above the law—not even the Senate President.”
“He has been a confirmed beneficiary of electoral fraud in the 2019 election to the 9th Senate—which he did not even complete due to his later appointment as Minister of Niger Delta.
“Did Senator Akpabio have the legal or moral standing to contest for a seat in the 10th National Assembly, let alone serve as its President?
“This is not just about one individual. It is about restoring public trust in our electoral process. Allowing the Senate President to remain in office under such serious ethical questions undermines democratic values and sends a dangerous signal ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
They urged the National Assembly, INEC, and the judiciary to take this judgment as a clarion call to strengthen mechanisms that prevent electoral manipulation at all levels.
They further called on the APC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to electoral reform and democratic accountability by initiating a rerun or revalidation process for the Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial seat.
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