Hearing In Uba Sani’s ICC Case Begins September 1
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has fixed September 1 for hearing of the petition filed against Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and persecution of opposition candidates during the August 16 by-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
The petition was filed by the Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate during the by-election.
The petitioner is seeking four reliefs, which include an order by the ICC to arrest the governor, open an investigation into his conduct during the by-election, establish criminal liability for persecution, unlawful arrest, and abuse of state power, and any other measures necessary to guarantee the protection of opposition figures, candidates, and the sanctity of democratic participation in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Senator Lawal has dismissed a press statement issued by ‘Concerned Kaduna Central Constituents’, questioning his decision to drag the governor to the ICC.
He said their reaction was “a poorly packaged propaganda” to shield Uba Sani from scrutiny.
“My petition is not personal; it is about the credibility of our democracy. What happened during the by-elections in Kaduna was a travesty, vote-buying, harassment of agents, and selective arrests. These are not fabrications; they are realities witnessed by ordinary citizens and documented by credible observers. To deny them is to deny the truth.
“It is laughable to suggest that because I was abroad during the elections, I have no right to raise concerns. Democracy is not about where one sits, but about standing for justice. I received verified reports from my party structures and agents across Kaduna. If the Governor’s supporters are proud of the elections, why are they afraid of scrutiny?
“They also claim there was “no harassment.” Really? Then why were PDP agents barred in some polling units? Why were opposition figures intimidated? Why did security agencies look the other way when cash-for-votes was happening in broad daylight? Kaduna people know the truth, no matter how many press conferences are called to twist it.
“Let me remind Governor Uba Sani and his apologists: power is temporary, but truth is permanent. Our democracy cannot grow if those in authority hide behind staged press conferences instead of answering hard questions.
“I will continue to speak up, not because it is convenient, but because the people of Kaduna Central deserve leaders who put democracy before propaganda, and principles before power.
“History will not remember those who defended lies, but those who defended the truth,” he said.
