In a recent exclusive interview with ourworldgist, Public Affairs Analyst Sani Michael Omakoji, known as SMO, expressed skepticism regarding Prof. Gabriel Longpet, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) resident commissioner for Kogi State.
Longpet had stated during a media round table engagement organized by the Independent Press Centre (IPC) in Abuja that the forthcoming Kogi gubernatorial election scheduled for November 11, 2023, would be conducted electronically from polling units.
However, SMO raised doubts about Longpet’s integrity, citing past allegations.
SMO pointed out that Prof. Gabriel Longpet’s integrity had been questioned due to her alleged involvement in dubious activities.
“This is a woman even before she was appointed to be resident commissioner in Kogi State collaborated with some security agents and the Nigerian judiciary, supervised the alleged use of thugs and helicopters to manipulate the Kogi gubernatorial election in 2019,” SMO claimed.
Despite public outcry for an investigation or her transfer from the state since her deployment, Longpet has remained in her role under the current administration.
SMO questioned Longpet’s continued involvement in Kogi State’s elections, especially when a new president is in office.
Furthermore, SMO noted Longpet’s frequent closed-door meetings with Governor Yahaya Bello and raised concerns about their nature and purpose.
“Apart from allegations of planning election rigging, what kind of meetings does she regularly hold with Bello?” SMO questioned.
In his closing statements, SMO called on President Ahmed Bola Asiwaju Tinubu to transfer Prof. Gabriel Longpet from Kogi State before the November 11, 2023, election.
Additionally, he urged the President to initiate an investigation into Longpet’s alleged activities.
Sani Michael Omakoji, a well-known Public Affairs Analyst in Nigeria, has been actively engaged in Kogi State’s politics and consistently raises his voice on various issues.
This development has stirred debates within the Nigerian political landscape, with many demanding transparency and accountability in the upcoming Kogi gubernatorial election.
