By Christopher Sunday
voxnews.com.ng
In what many are describing as a telling moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, the recent Appeal Court judgment sentencing a university professor for electoral malpractice in favor of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been met with deafening silence from his political allies and supporters.
The professor, who was found guilty of manipulating the electoral process to secure victory for Akpabio in the 2023 senatorial elections, was duly sentenced—marking a legal milestone in the fight against election rigging. However, observers are raising concerns over the selective reactions trailing the development.
While the court’s decision has been hailed by pro-democracy advocates and civil society groups, supporters of Akpabio, especially those who previously criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and supported Akpabio’s electoral victory, have remained noticeably mute on the matter.
“This silence is not just disappointing; it reveals the entrenched double standards in our political discourse,” said a civil rights activist based in Abuja. “It speaks volumes when those who should champion justice and accountability choose to look the other way.”
Critics have gone further to describe the silence as the behavior of “political beggars”—a term now trending in some circles to label individuals or groups who show loyalty based on political patronage rather than principles.
Analysts warn that selective justice and biased commentary threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. They are calling for political actors to uphold consistency in condemning electoral fraud, regardless of whose interest is affected.
The sentencing has, however, reinforced the resolve of the judiciary to tackle electoral misconduct head-on. Many hope this will set a precedent for a more transparent and accountable democratic process in future elections.
As the political class reflects on this landmark judgment, the public continues to watch closely—hoping for a shift from selective silence to consistent advocacy for justice and fairness across board.
