Court Upholds Professor’s Jail Term for Election Rigging in Favor of Senate President Akpabio
Mixed Reactions Trail Appeal Court Ruling
The Court of Appeal in Calabar has upheld the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban for his role in manipulating the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election results in favor of current Senate President Godswill Akpabio, sparking widespread reactions.
Details of the Case
Prof. Ogban, a soil science professor who served as the returning officer, was initially convicted in 2021 by a Uyo State High Court for falsifying results in Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo local government areas. His actions unlawfully inflated votes for Akpabio, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, at the expense of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Court’s Strong Condemnation
The appellate court not only affirmed the conviction but strongly condemned Ogban’s breach of academic and professional trust, calling it a betrayal of public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. Premium Times reported confirmation of the judgment from a former INEC official.
Public Reactions
The ruling has generated heated discussions across social media platforms:
Lawal Ahmed questioned: “Then what’s Akpabio still doing in the upper chamber?”
Peter Johnson expressed disappointment: “What pains me most is how professors who spent years researching would rig elections for politicians some of whom lack complete WAEC results.”
Dave Adode commented: “Akpabio should also face penalty. The professor has dragged his name in the mud while Akpabio walks free.”
Trial Background
During the original trial, INEC presented evidence showing Ogban admitted under oath to adding 5,000 fake votes to APC’s tally in Oruk Anam. Despite pleas for leniency, Justice Augustine Odokwo maintained that the law must take its course in this “novel” case.
Election Aftermath
The 2019 election, ultimately won by PDP’s Chris Ekpenyong, was marred by irregularities and violence. Akpabio later returned in 2023, won the election, and rose to become Senate President.