ACJHR Accuses Imo APC of Attempted Manipulation and Intimidation of Election Tribunal Members

The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has sounded a warning bell regarding alleged efforts to manipulate and intimidate the members of the three distinct panels overseeing National and State Assembly Election Petitions in Imo State.

These purported actions, as per ACJHR, are being orchestrated by loyalists and agents of the Imo State government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma, who are reportedly using pro-government and APC WhatsApp groups to propagate smear campaigns.

The first panel comprises Hon. Justice Y. Halilu as Chairman, along with Hon. Justice M.G. Abubakar and Hon. Justice A. O. Familoni.

The second panel, chaired by Hon. Justice Salisu Umar, includes Hon. Justice Temitopo Adedipe and Hon. Justice Musa Usman.

The third panel features Hon. Justice A. O. Akpovi, Hon. Justice Usman A. S. Kudu, and Hon. Justice Ibrahim Mohammed.

ACJHR, through its Head of Public Interest Litigation Monitoring Unit, Ade Balogun, alleges that these individuals are attempting to replicate what they refer to as the ‘Supreme Court magic,’ a term used to describe the controversial declaration of election winners who came in last during previous elections.

The group is urging the members of the Imo Election Petitions Tribunal to disregard these tactics by individuals seemingly desperate to retain power, citing their previous involvement in misleading the Supreme Court with fabricated election results, resulting in a candidate who finished fourth being declared the winner.

ACJHR also calls upon the judges presiding over the three panels handling Imo election cases to exhibit courage in the face of intimidation and ensure that justice is served.

The public is watching closely as these alleged cases of electoral manipulation and fraud unfold.

ACJHR expresses confidence in the ability of Justice Akpovi and other panel chairmen, along with their members, to resolve these issues with courage and uphold the credibility of the judiciary and the rule of law.

In their statement, they highlight instances where election results were announced with figures that exceeded the accredited voter count in various areas, underscoring concerns about the legitimacy of these outcomes.

They argue that efforts to tarnish the reputation of judges who are simply doing their jobs and reviewing the evidence presented before them are unwarranted.

ACJHR concludes by emphasizing that attacks on tribunal judges will not change the verifiable facts regarding the elections in Imo State, facts that judges, as individuals of integrity, must consider in their deliberations…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>