SDP Condemns Kogi Government for Proceeding with LG Elections Amid Floods and Court Order

The National Working Committee of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has criticized the Kogi State Government for proceeding with Saturday’s Local Government Council election despite severe flooding and a court injunction.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye, and made available to Newsmen in Abuja, the SDP urged the government to prioritize public safety and avoid further catastrophe in the state.

“Kogi must recognize that the entire country is grappling with a hunger crisis, while the state itself is overwhelmed by heavy floods and mismanagement,” the statement read.

The party described the decision to hold the election as “reckless and insensitive,” noting that over 180 communities are submerged in floodwaters, making it impossible for residents in these areas to vote.

“At this precarious moment, with Nigeria facing inflation, hunger, and insecurity, all rooted in poor governance, the actions of the Kogi State Government reflect a dangerous disregard for public welfare,” the statement continued.

The SDP condemned the election as an act of “impunity,” accusing the government of forcing the process on the people despite the court order.

It urged the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission to halt the election immediately and align with legal directives.

“The government, through its electoral commission, is causing further damage to Nigeria’s fragile state and violating the Federal Constitution recklessly,” the SDP remarked.

The statement criticized the administration’s governance style, calling it “predatory and unresponsive.”

It lamented that, while the rest of the state battles hunger and flooding, the Kogi Government House remains unaffected.

The party also highlighted several alleged infractions by the state’s electoral commission, including:
– Organizing an election in violation of the Electoral Act 2022
– Ignoring an ongoing court case at the Federal High Court concerning the election.
– Tampering with the SDP’s official candidate list submitted by the National Secretariat.
– Overstepping constitutional boundaries by undermining the National Working Committee’s authority.

“State actors are promoting both state and non-state agents to force an illegal election on the people of Kogi,” the statement alleged.

The SDP further warned that Kogi’s conduct reinforces the argument for scrapping state-controlled electoral bodies.

“This situation strengthens the call for the National Assembly to replace such state commissions with a truly impartial and independent body to oversee Local Government elections.”

The party expressed disappointment at the state government’s insistence on holding the election, branding it as a “charade” and a blatant violation of the law.