Legal practitioner and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has voiced strong criticism over what he described as political intimidation and selective treatment of lawmakers who choose to defect from one political party to another.
In an interview shared by Channels Television, Okonkwo addressed the ongoing debate surrounding party defections within Nigeria’s National Assembly and the constitutional provisions that regulate such political moves. He argued that elected lawmakers should not be subjected to pressure, threats, or intimidation simply because they decide to change their political affiliation.
According to him, the issue of party defections is not new in Nigeria’s political landscape, and the courts have already provided interpretations that should serve as precedents in guiding how such matters are handled. Okonkwo emphasized that once the judiciary has clarified aspects of the law in previous cases, political actors and institutions should respect those interpretations rather than attempt to manipulate the process.
The former actor turned politician also commented on the role of the Senate leadership in the controversy, particularly referencing Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President. Okonkwo accused him of contributing to what he described as a climate of intimidation within the legislature. During the discussion, he stated that there had been enough pressure and manipulation directed at lawmakers over their political decisions.
He further noted that members of the National Assembly were elected by their constituents and should therefore be free to exercise their constitutional rights without interference from party leadership or political figures. In his view, attempts to discourage lawmakers from defecting undermine democratic principles and the freedom of political association guaranteed by law.
Okonkwo also referred to past criticisms directed at Akpabio by his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recalling that the party had previously made strong allegations against him during earlier political disputes.
Beyond the specific controversy, the ADC chieftain stressed that Nigeria’s democracy would benefit greatly if political leaders focused on respecting due process and allowing institutions to function independently. He argued that disputes arising from political defections should be resolved through the courts rather than through intimidation or political maneuvering.
He concluded by emphasizing that strict adherence to constitutional provisions and judicial rulings would help strengthen democratic institutions, promote fairness in the political system, and ensure greater stability in Nigeria’s governance….See More
Leave a Reply