Bomba Dauda
A high-ranking member of Nigeria’s opposition, Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, has filed a formal petition with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, seeking the issuance of an arrest warrant for Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State over what he describes as “crimes against democracy” during the August 16, 2025, bye-elections.
The petition, made on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its detained candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, accuses Governor Sani of orchestrating a systematic campaign of political persecution using state security agencies—including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police Force.
According to the document, seen by reporters on Tuesday, Senator Usman alleges that security operatives acting under the governor’s influence raided PDP’s operational base in Kaduna in the early hours of election day. The raid reportedly resulted in the arrest of over two dozen party officials, including the PDP candidate, and the seizure of ₦26 million intended for election logistics.
“The actions of Governor Uba Sani constitute politically motivated persecution and suppression of democratic rights,” the petition claims, citing multiple annexures including video footage, affidavits, and independent media reports that document the events.
The petition also notes that a Peace Accord had been signed by all political parties in Kaduna State prior to the elections—an agreement Senator Usman alleges was “flagrantly violated” by the ruling administration.
Among those allegedly arrested were senior PDP figures, including the state party secretary, a zonal chairman, elected lawmakers, and women leaders. The petition argues that their continued detention, especially that of the PDP candidate, is unlawful and serves no legitimate investigative purpose.
Citing Article 7 of the Rome Statute, the petition contends that the use of state power to intimidate political opponents qualifies as a crime against humanity through the persecution of individuals based on political affiliation.
The petition outlines three key charges:
- Political persecution and unlawful detention under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute;
- Abuse of state machinery to suppress democratic participation;
- Command responsibility and direct criminal liability of Governor Uba Sani for the acts committed by security agencies.
Senator Usman is calling on the ICC to:
- Open a formal investigation into the conduct of Governor Uba Sani during the elections;
- Establish criminal liability for acts of persecution and abuse of power;
- Issue an arrest warrant to prevent further intimidation of opposition;
- Ensure protection for political actors and the democratic process in Nigeria.
“I deposed to this petition in good faith and in pursuit of justice,” the Senator stated under oath, affirming that all evidence and annexures submitted are true to the best of his knowledge.
Tensions have remained high in Kaduna since the controversial bye-elections on August 16. The PDP has repeatedly accused the state government of leveraging federal security institutions to harass opposition candidates, an allegation the government has yet to formally respond to.
The EFCC has also not released a public statement regarding the ongoing detention of the PDP candidate and campaign officials.
