A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) has urged the judiciary to uphold its integrity and ensure public confidence in the judicial process as it handles the ongoing legal dispute involving Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Job Samuel Danfulani of the Centre for Public Integrity; John Samuel Nangi of Nigeria Integrity Watch; Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila of the Northern Council of Nigeria; Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum; and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.
The CSOs said the case presented an opportunity for the judiciary to demonstrate its commitment to fairness, impartiality and the rule of law amid lingering public debates over previous electoral disputes in Imo.
In a statement issued in Bauchi, Bauchi State, the group recalled the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment that declared Uzodimma the winner of the Imo State governorship election, displacing the then governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
It also drew attention to conflicting accounts surrounding Uzodimma’s emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election.
According to the coalition, Uzodimma had claimed that he emerged through Option A4, while the APC national leadership reportedly told the Federal High Court that he secured the party’s ticket through a consensus arrangement.
The group said the controversies surrounding previous electoral disputes in Imo State had generated public debate about the judiciary, stressing the need for the courts to handle the latest dispute in a manner that would strengthen confidence in the administration of justice.
It urged the judiciary to ensure that the case was determined strictly on its merits, without external considerations, adding that public trust remained essential to the credibility of democratic institutions.
The coalition also commended Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for what it described as his commitment to judicial independence and the administration of justice.
It said Nigeria needed more judges who would demonstrate impartiality, courage and dedication to the rule of law, adding that Justice Egwuatu deserved commendation and national recognition for his conduct.