Mike Ozekhome Petitions EFCC, ICPC, CCB Over Dapo Abiodun’s Alleged Electoral Infractions in Ogun Governorship Election 

Mary Nnah
 

Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome, has submitted petitions to key anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), seeking urgent investigation and potential prosecution about alleged electoral infractions during the Ogun State Governorship Election held on March 18, 2023.

In the petitions addressed to the heads of these agencies, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, acting on behalf of the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), a prominent non-governmental organization advocating for human rights and electoral integrity, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the election and its impact on the democratic process. The petitions focus on the alleged involvement of Superflux International Ltd, a security printing company founded and led by Chief Tokunbo Talabi, who currently serves as the Secretary to the Government of Ogun State.

The core allegations put forward in the petitions suggest a connection between Dapo Abiodun’s SSG, Tokunbo Talabi’s company, Superflux International Ltd, and electoral irregularities observed during the Ogun State Governorship Election. The petitions allege that Superflux, a company accredited by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other central banks in West Africa for security printing, was contracted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to print ballot papers for the election.

However, according to the petitions, there are indications that Superflux may have printed excess ballot papers beyond the official requirement for the election. These additional ballot papers are believed to have been used to manipulate the election outcome in favour of the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Key points highlighted in the petitions include:

Multiple Ballot Papers: Allegations of multiple ballot papers with identical serial numbers and discrepancies in serial numbers compared to officially deployed ballot papers.

Financial Transactions: The petitions raise concerns about financial transactions between INEC and Superflux, citing substantial payments made on a single day and the alleged transfer of funds to Superflux from INEC’s Electoral account.

Conflict of Interest: Tokunbo Talabi’s alleged involvement in the printing of the ballot papers as well as his position as Secretary to the Government of Ogun State (SSG) are noted as potential conflicts of interest that may have compromised the integrity of the election.

Governor’s Involvement: Allegations of direct involvement by Governor Dapo Abiodun in approaching certain INEC officers to secure his victory.

Prof. Mike Ozekhome, in the petitions, requests urgent investigations into these allegations and possible prosecution where necessary. The petitions underscore the potential implications of these alleged infractions on Nigeria’s democratic process and emphasize the need for accountability and transparency.
 
The three anti-corruption agencies have been called upon to take swift action to address these allegations and ensure that the rule of law and democratic principles are upheld.

The outcome of these petitions could have far-reaching consequences for the Ogun State Governorship Election, the individuals implicated, and the broader Nigerian political landscape.
As the investigations progress, the nation watches to see how these allegations will be addressed and whether they will impact the political future of Ogun State and its leadership.