Kogi Youths Condemn Intimidation Of House Of Reps Aspirant For Challenging Irregularities In APC Primary

Okami, who contested the APC House of Representatives primary election for the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, approached the court to challenge alleged irregularities in the process that produced Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf as the party’s candidate.

In a statement issued by the group, Kogi Central Youth for Change alleged that, instead of allowing the matter to be determined through the appropriate judicial process, there have been attempts by individuals allegedly connected to the Kogi State Government to intimidate, harass, blackmail and pressure Hon. Okami into withdrawing the case.

The group described the alleged development as disturbing, stressing that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to seek legal redress whenever he or she believes that a right has been infringed upon or that an electoral or political process has been conducted improperly.

“We are concerned about reports of threats, harassment and pressure allegedly being mounted on Hon. Onimisi Okami to abandon his legitimate pursuit of justice through the courts. If these allegations are found to be true, they represent a troubling attempt to interfere with the judicial process and undermine democratic principles.”

The group maintained that seeking judicial intervention should not be interpreted as an act of disloyalty, rebellion or opposition to government, but as a legitimate constitutional avenue available to citizens seeking justice and clarification over disputed matters.

It therefore called on the Kogi State government and all individuals connected to the matter to allow the court to discharge its constitutional responsibilities without interference, intimidation or undue pressure.

Kogi Central Youth for Change also urged Hon. Onimisi Okami to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding while pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels.

“We believe that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, internal democratic mechanisms and, where necessary, the courts not through intimidation or the abuse of political influence.”

The group further appealed to relevant government authorities, political leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders in Kogi State to pay close attention to the situation and ensure that the right of citizens to seek justice, freedom from intimidation and respect for the rule of law are upheld.

According to the group, the matter should not be reduced to a personal contest between individuals, but should instead be viewed as a test of the commitment of political actors to internal democracy, fairness, justice and the rule of law.

The group stressed that Kogi Central deserves a political environment where citizens can question perceived irregularities, seek judicial redress and exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation, persecution or reprisal.