SDP raises alarm over alleged plot by Kogi Governor to falsely accuse party leaders of terrorism

The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to arrest its leaders on false terrorism charges.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Isaiah Davies Ijele, the Director of New Media for the Muri/Sam Campaign Council, the SDP claimed that Governor Bello is planning to use illegal governmental means to arrest key stakeholders and leaders of the party by branding them as terrorists.

According to the statement, “According to a reliable source familiar with Governor Yahaya Bello’s alleged plot, he is desperate to salvage his failing administration and intends to frame and arrest key leaders of our party, such as the Director-General of the Muri/Sam Campaign Council, Sheikh Jibril Ibrahim, the Director-General of Youths Mobilization, Hon. Ahmed Attah, and other esteemed members of the Muri/Sam Campaign Council.

“In fact, in a bid to execute his plans, he has secured a court order in order to arrest them. We feel it is essential to bring this information to the attention of the general public. We firmly assert that any attempt to detain our leaders will be met with resistance from the citizens of Kogi State, who are eager for a change in governance.

“The source also revealed that an FCT Anti-Kidnap team, led by the OC Anti-Kidnapping, FCT Command, and his thugs has been contracted to carry out these deceitful actions.”

The SDP appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and all relevant security agencies to take swift action and stop Governor Bello and his associates from proceeding with the alleged plot.

“We assert that elections should not be treated as acts of war or matters of life and death. We trust that the relevant authorities will intervene and uphold justice in this matter,” the statement added.

In response, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, dismissed the allegation, describing it as another attempt by the SDP to create panic and preemptively cover their own plans for the Kogi voters. Fanwo urged security agencies to invite those behind the allegation to provide evidence.