Electoral Fraud Allegations Rock Former President Buhari

Elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has accused former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, of manipulating Nigeria’s judiciary to influence the 2019 presidential election.

Clark alleged that the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen was orchestrated to facilitate electoral malpractice, describing it as “disgraceful, callous, unjust, and barbaric.”

In a letter addressed to the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Clark hailed the recent Court of Appeal ruling that cleared Onnoghen of false asset declaration charges.

He lamented that Buhari’s administration weaponised constitutional powers to suspend Onnoghen unconstitutionally.

“President Buhari humiliated and oppressed Justice Onnoghen, all because he stood as a barrier to their plans for the 2019 elections,” Clark asserted. “This is a disgrace Nigeria has just recovered from.”

Clark criticised judicial bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council, for their silence during the ordeal. He accused Buhari of undermining judicial impartiality to prioritise personal ambition.

Judicial Independence at Stake

The elder statesman argued that Onnoghen’s removal was a strategic move to enable electoral manipulation. He alleged that Buhari’s administration feared the former CJN would resist unconstitutional practices.

“Justice Onnoghen would not have accepted the mischievous things Buhari wanted to carry out during the election,” Clark stated. He urged President Bola Tinubu to foster a government free from “sacred cows.”

Clark also highlighted the irony in Onnoghen’s predicament, noting that the same justice had ruled in Buhari’s favour in a 2011 election petition. “For him to turn around and humiliate Onnoghen is nothing short of shameful,” he remarked.

Buhari’s Camp Responds

In response, an unnamed official from Buhari’s administration defended Onnoghen’s suspension, citing violations of Nigeria’s asset declaration laws. The official noted that Onnoghen admitted to inconsistencies in his declarations.

“The Code of Conduct Bureau records show Onnoghen only declared assets twice – when he was appointed as acting CJN and when confirmed as CJN. Is that not enough to justify his suspension?” the source queried.

The official labelled the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit Onnoghen a “political resolution,” maintaining that Buhari acted within the law.

Hope for Judicial Reform

Despite his criticism, Clark expressed optimism about recent judicial reforms, commending Justice Kekere-Ekun and the Court of Appeal for their impartiality. “I am happy that the judiciary has vindicated Onnoghen. His ordeal was undeserved, and I pray for his continued courage,” he said.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with allegations of executive interference in judicial matters, Clark’s accusations have reignited debates over the separation of powers. Many await President Tinubu’s response to calls for a government that respects judicial independence.

Efforts to obtain comments from Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to former President Buhari, were unsuccessful.