The Kogi State Government has refuted claims made by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that their witnesses at the ongoing election petition tribunal were attacked by state government agents. The SDP is contesting the victory of the All Progressives Congress in the November 2023 governorship election.
The SDP leadership raised concerns over alleged attacks on its members who appeared as witnesses at the Kogi State gubernatorial election tribunal in Abuja. The party’s National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam, called on President Bola Tinubu and national security heads to intervene.
However, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, dismissed the allegations during a press conference in Lokoja. He stated that there was no evidence to support the SDP’s claims of attacks on their witnesses at the tribunal.
Fanwo emphasized the state government’s commitment to serving the people of Kogi under the leadership of Ahmed Ododo. He highlighted the government’s focus on security and constitutionalism to ensure a peaceful and secure state.
The commissioner clarified that the tribunal case does not involve the state government and reiterated the government’s responsibility to protect all citizens regardless of their political affiliations. He criticized the SDP’s petition, suggesting that their witnesses may not have been adequately prepared or truthful in their claims.
Fanwo emphasized the state government’s stance against violence and actions that disrupt the peace of the state. He urged the SDP to accept any setbacks in their petition without blaming the government for their potential failure.
