Senate President Godswill Akpabio has distanced himself from Prof. Peter Ogban, a jailed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Officer convicted for rigging the 2019 elections in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio described Ogban’s claims as “unfounded, spurious, malicious, and intended to tarnish his image.”
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio clarified that Ogban never worked for him during the 2019 elections. Instead, he asserted that he was a victim of electoral fraud in the Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District election held on February 23, 2019.
“For the umpteenth time, the claim that Prof. Peter Ogban was convicted for rigging the election in favor of the APC is baseless and malicious,” the statement read. “Contrarily, Akpabio was a victim of the fraudulent manipulation of the election.”
Akpabio expressed satisfaction that those responsible for the electoral fraud are facing justice, stating, “The chickens are coming home to roost.” He added that he believes all conspirators will eventually face accountability, either through the judiciary or divine intervention.
The Senate President, who has since risen to lead the Nigerian Senate, dismissed the allegations as attempts by “hatchet men and mischief makers” to distract him from his duties. Akpabio vowed to remain focused, undeterred by what he described as baseless reports.
