Wike Challenges Ozekhome on Election Rigging Allegations

During the Nigeria Lecture and Award event themed “25 Years of Unbroken Democracy – Challenges, Prospects, and Possibilities,” Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, sharply criticized Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome. Wike accused Ozekhome of defending election riggers, a statement that sparked significant attention and debate among attendees.

Wike, an awardee at the event, was dismayed by what he perceived as an imbalance in the discourse on Nigeria's democratic progress. He noted that while challenges are evident, the event's speakers failed to acknowledge the strides the country has made over the past 25 years. 

Wike highlighted several areas where he believes progress has been made. He pointed out that the absence of political detentions under the current democratic regime is a notable improvement from past practices. Additionally, he mentioned the infrastructural developments in the FCT as indicators of forward movement. 

“Are you telling me that no single progress was made? We can say there is progress but there’s need for improvement,” Wike emphasized, urging for a balanced view that recognizes both the achievements and the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Addressing the integrity and effectiveness of activists, Wike questioned the performance of individuals like Shehu Sani and Mike Ozekhome. He specifically asked how many times Ozekhome had refused briefs to defend those accused of election rigging. This pointed criticism aimed to highlight what Wike sees as a discrepancy between activists' public positions and their professional actions.

Earlier, Shehu Sani reflected on the decisions made by democracy fighters in 1999, describing the refusal to take power from the military as a significant mistake. He recounted how General Abdulsalami Abubakar had offered them the opportunity to take over, which they declined, leading politicians to fill the power vacuum.

Sani’s reflection included the acknowledgment that key figures like Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, and Olisa Agbakoba had opposed the idea of cooperating with the military, a decision he now views as a missed opportunity.

Despite the provocative nature of Wike’s remarks, neither Sani nor Ozekhome responded during the event. This silence left Wike’s questions hanging, adding a layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes and the roles played by its defenders.