Sen. Lawal Adamu-Usman (PDP, Kaduna Central) says his petition to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Adamu-Usman had submitted the petition on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the August 16 by-election in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the senator, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, explained that the move was not a personal battle but a step to defend the democratic rights of Nigerians.
“What happened during the by-election 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,” he said.
Adamu-Usman further said that there was no going back on the matter, as the petition concerned the electorate, the constituents and PDP supporters.
He said that ICC had already fixed Sept. 1 to look at the petition.
The lawmaker alleged that there was unlawful arrest, detention and persecution of the opposition candidate and party members in the course of the by-election.
“The governor is an elected leader like us. As such, we will not allow him to suppress opposition parties in the state and popular decisions during elections.
“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?’’ he queried.
Adamu-Usman dismissed a press statement issued by ‘Concerned Kaduna Central Constituents’, questioning his decision to drag the governor before ICC.
He described their reaction as “a poorly packaged propaganda” to shield the governor from scrutiny.
“They also claimed 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 were happening in broad daylight?
“Kaduna people know the truth, no matter how many press conferences are called to twist it,’’ he said.
The senator cautioned that democracy would not 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.
The petition before the ICC seeks four main remedies, including the arrest of the governor, a probe into his alleged conduct during the by-election, the establishment of criminal responsibility for persecution, and measures to protect opposition parties, candidates and the sanctity of elections in Nigeria.
In response, Governor Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Musa, said the governor had already lodged a counter-petition against the senator with the state police command.
He noted that the matter was now with the police, adding that the governor’s team would await the outcome of the investigation before making further comments.