The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly criticized the Kogi State Government for its decision to proceed with the Local Government Council elections scheduled for Saturday, despite facing significant flooding issues and a court order against the elections.
In a statement released on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and shared with DAILY POST in Abuja, the SDP urged the government to reconsider its actions to avoid exacerbating the ongoing catastrophe.
The statement highlighted that Kogi State, like the rest of Nigeria, is grappling with a hunger crisis, compounded by severe flooding and what the party describes as detrimental governance.
According to the SDP, continuing with the Local Government elections at this time is an act of impunity and demonstrates a reckless disregard for the welfare of citizens, especially as over 180 communities remain inundated and unable to participate in the voting process.
The statement read: “At a time when Nigeria is facing heightened tensions due to rampant inflation, hunger, and social insecurity—issues rooted in poor governance—it is alarming that Kogi is pushing forward with elections under such dire circumstances.”
The SDP condemned the current Kogi administration for its “predatory governance” and lack of responsiveness, stating that forcing the elections on the populace is an affront to their well-being.
The party called on the state-controlled electoral commission to immediately cancel the elections, in adherence to the existing court order, and postpone them until a more suitable time.
“The Kogi State Government and its Electoral Commission are inflicting significant harm on Nigeria’s fragile state and violating the Federal Constitution through their reckless actions,” the statement lamented.
“This situation is particularly painful given that the federal leadership, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is already struggling with economic policies and trying to address the unrest among youth and the severe insecurity issues affecting farms, highways, and government offices.”
The SDP accused Kogi State officials of demonstrating insensitivity and unresponsiveness, perpetuating a cycle of impunity and poor governance that negatively impacts the citizens.
The statement detailed various instances of irresponsibility by the Kogi State electoral commission, including planning the Local Government elections in violation of the Electoral Act 2022, ignoring ongoing legal proceedings related to the elections, tampering with the SDP’s legitimate candidate list, and overstepping its authority by attempting to manage the affairs of the SDP’s National Working Committee.
The SDP also expressed concerns regarding state and non-state actors orchestrating an unlawful election process in Kogi State.
The party concluded by emphasizing that the actions of Kogi State officials have further fueled calls for the replacement of state-run electoral bodies with a truly independent entity to conduct Local Government elections.
“We are particularly disheartened and appalled by the Kogi State Government’s stubbornness in maintaining this charade of an unlawful Local Government election,” the statement concluded.
