MEDIA COMMUNIQUE
The recent judgment by the Court of Appeal in Calabar, upholding the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban (the Returning Officer in the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial Election), has sparked calls from some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. While we respect the concerns raised by these groups, *HallowMace Foundation Africa* maintains that such demands are legally unfounded and politically premature.
OUR POSITION:
1. The 2019 vs. 2023 Election Distinction
The court’s ruling relates specifically to the *2019 election*, in which Senator Akpabio was a candidate but was not personally indicted in the judicial proceedings.
The *2023 election*, which brought Akpabio into his current position as Senate President, remains uncontested and legally distinct from the 2019 controversy.
2. No Personal Conviction or Indictment
The Returning Officer’s conviction for electoral malpractice does not equate to a guilty verdict against Senator Akpabio. Nigerian law presumes innocence until proven otherwise, and no court has implicated Akpabio in the said malpractice.
3. Focus on Legislative Stability
Nigeria’s democracy thrives on institutional stability. Calls for resignation based on unproven affiliations undermine due process and create unnecessary political distractions.
4. Accountability vs. Political Targeting
While HallowMace Foundation Africa strongly advocates for electoral integrity and accountability, we caution against conflating judicial outcomes with political opportunism. The focus should be on systemic reforms to prevent future irregularities, not on unsubstantiated resignations.
Conclusion:
HallowMace Foundation Africa urges stakeholders to prioritize *evidence-based discourse* over sensationalism. The Senate President’s mandate derives from the *2023 elections*, and until any legal proceeding directly links him to wrongdoing, calls for his resignation remain speculative and counterproductive.
We call on all CSOs, media, and policymakers to channel their energies toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework rather than engaging in premature political demands.
Sunny Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
HallowMace Foundation
