LAGOS—Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has voiced concerns that the ongoing political developments in Rivers State and the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He warned that similar events in the past led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George, speaking in Lagos, criticized the Nigerian government for what he termed as unconstitutional actions, including the controversial voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He also condemned efforts to recall Natasha from the Senate, calling the situation shameful and indicative of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, George drew parallels to past political crises, stating, “Today, we are seeing the same mistakes that led to the collapse of our earlier republics, now being repeated by the APC-led government. The unconstitutional decisions, including the handling of the Rivers State crisis and the treatment of Natasha, are not just harmful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, but they also bring international disgrace.” He further criticized the deployment of security forces to protect a deposed speaker in Lagos while security was withdrawn from the elected speaker, and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamp approval of the state of emergency in Rivers without the required two-thirds majority. Manipulation of Political Processes One of the most contentious issues raised by George was the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha’s allegations have sparked a political battle, with George accusing the Senate of partisan misconduct, further eroding public trust. He pointed out the lack of an independent investigation into Natasha’s claims, instead opting for punitive actions against her, including her suspension. “There is a serious risk that these actions are part of a political conspiracy to recall Natasha using the machinery of state. The attempt to manipulate the political process, such as the unsubstantiated gathering of signatures at the INEC office, is a gross injustice,” George said. He also warned that such actions signal a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s future. “This is not democracy, it’s a clear case of manipulation. We are heading toward a very dangerous path,” George added, referring to the government’s interference in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State political situations. Global Embarrassment and Growing Tensions While George condemned these actions as threats to Nigeria’s democracy, he also emphasized the international embarrassment caused by these moves. The global community has been closely watching Nigeria’s political developments, with criticism coming from various quarters, including from notable figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat. Looking ahead, George expressed his concern that these tensions could escalate as the 2027 elections approach. He warned that, with rising insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, the government’s focus should be on resolving these issues rather than engaging in political conflicts. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency George concluded his statements with a call for accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, urging the government to respect democratic norms and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He also called on Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate the democratic process, stressing that the country’s future depends on the actions taken today. For more information on the political climate in Nigeria and the challenges facing its democracy, you can read this insightful article from The Guardian on the state of Nigerian democracy here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for a posthumous national honor for the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral system. Speaking at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu paid tribute to Nwosu, who passed away in October 2024, highlighting his immense contributions to the country’s democratic process. Yakubu emphasized that Nwosu, who served as INEC chairman from 1989 to 1993, was instrumental in implementing groundbreaking electoral reforms, including the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot System—two innovations that significantly enhanced election credibility. 1993 Election: A Testament to Electoral Integrity Under Nwosu’s leadership, the 1993 presidential election is widely considered one of the most transparent and credible polls in Nigeria’s history. Despite its annulment, historians and political analysts continue to regard it as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Yakubu acknowledged that, although the presumed winner of the election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was posthumously awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) in 2018, the electoral commission and Nwosu himself have not received adequate national recognition for their roles in conducting the election. “The electoral commission, represented by Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, only received a muffled commendation, as though no one conducted that election,” Yakubu remarked. Call for National Recognition Given Nwosu’s legacy in advancing Nigeria’s democratic process, Yakubu urged relevant authorities to officially recognize his contributions through a posthumous national honor. His call aligns with previous advocacy efforts pushing for electoral figures to be recognized for their role in deepening democracy in Nigeria. For further insights into Nigeria’s electoral history and reforms, read this comprehensive analysis by The Electoral Knowledge Network READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
