ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former House of Representatives member Sergius Ogun has argued that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ought to have been arrested over his alleged admission on national television that the 2023 election was rigged.
Ogun made the assertion on Friday during an appearance on Naija Unfiltered, a programme on Symfoni TV, where he discussed the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the conduct of the 2023 general elections. He said Wike’s remarks suggested that the 2023 elections were neither free nor fair, and that such an admission should have prompted action from the authorities.
“If someone comes out on national television and says we rigged the election, what should happen? He should have been arrested. You cannot admit to a crime of that magnitude on national television and walk free. It is a disservice to Nigerians,” Ogun stated.
The former lawmaker referred to a BBC report detailing how the 2023 presidential election unfolded in Rivers State, where Wike was the governor at the time. He questioned the roles played by the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, expressing concern that Nigerians still do not have clarity about the actual results of their elections.
“We are in a country where people still do not know the true outcome of the 2023 elections. The judiciary, INEC, and the security agencies all played roles, and Nigerians deserve to know the truth. Wike’s admission should have been the starting point for a thorough investigation,” Ogun said.
He described the situation as a serious affront to democracy, arguing that citizens deserve to know the genuine outcome of their elections. He called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and to ensure that those responsible for manipulating the process are held accountable.
“It is not just about Wike. It is about the integrity of our electoral system. If we do not address this, we will continue to have elections that do not reflect the will of the people. That is not democracy,” he stated.
The former lawmaker also expressed concern about the role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes, noting that many Nigerians had lost confidence in the courts. He urged the judiciary to rise to the occasion and to ensure that justice is served in electoral matters.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. If the judiciary fails, then we are all doomed. We need the judiciary to be independent, impartial, and courageous in handling electoral cases,” Ogun said.
His comments come amid ongoing debate about the integrity of the 2023 elections and the conduct of key political actors. Wike has been a central figure in the controversy, with critics accusing him of working against the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and allegedly supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The FCT Minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as politically motivated. He has also defended his role in the 2023 elections, saying he acted in the best interests of Rivers State and the nation.
As the 2027 elections approach, the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process remains a major issue, with opposition parties and civil society groups calling for reforms to ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible. For now, Ogun’s call for Wike’s arrest and investigation has added to the growing chorus of voices demanding accountability for the conduct of the 2023 polls.
