in Politics

Odinkalu Response as Appeal Court Upholds Jail Term for Professor Who Rigged Election for Akpabio

 

The Court of Appeal in Calabar has affirmed the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, who was jailed in 2021 for manipulating election results in favour of Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the 2019 senatorial polls in Akwa Ibom State. Reacting to the development, prominent rights activist Chidi Odinkalu took to social media with a sharply worded comment that has stirred widespread attention. He wrote:

“Professor who rigged election goes to jail (rightfully); The man for whom he rigged the election goes to bury the Pope.”

 

 

His remark, laced with irony, highlights the contrasting fates of Ogban and Akpabio—the former now serving time in prison while the latter occupies one of the highest offices in the country. As reported by Premium Times on April 30, 2025, the appellate court not only upheld the three-year jail term but also condemned Ogban’s conduct, especially considering his role as a university professor, a position expected to uphold ethics and fairness in the electoral process.

Professor Ogban, a lecturer at the University of Uyo, was convicted for altering the results of the 2019 senatorial election in Akwa Ibom North-West to favour Akpabio, who was then a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Although Akpabio lost that election, he successfully contested again in 2023 and went on to become the President of the Senate.

The court’s ruling has reignited discussions about electoral integrity and accountability in Nigeria. While some have applauded the judiciary for taking a firm stand, others argue that punishing only the implementer while the beneficiary walks free sends a troubling message.

The case continues to spark debate over whether Nigeria’s justice system is truly impartial or selective when it comes to political figures. Many are now calling for deeper scrutiny and broader accountability in electoral offenses.

Atiku Responds to Okowa’s Defection: “I Bear No Grudge, I’m Not Leaving PDP”

JUST IN: Hours After Boko Haram Killed Many Including Children, Army Issues Strong Warning to Terrorists