Ahead of the Saturday presidential elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the All Progressive Congress (APC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Immigration Service and the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau to court over participation of foreigners in APC presidential.
On the 31st of January, 2019, 2 Nigerien governors and some citizens participated in the President Muhammadu Buhari campaign rally, at Kano North-west, Nigeria
On that note, in an affidavit of urgency before the federal high court, Abuja suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2019 dated 8th February, 2019. Adedamola Falokun the legal officer of plaintiff, PDP indicated that the matter was on election matters.
It raised that, “the substantive matter matter in the suit seeks an order of this honorable court, seeking to direct the 1st – 3rd defendant to preclude and ensure that foreigners/aliens do not participate in the 2019 general elections.
Also added that, “the substantive suit is a pre election matter as raises issues that ought to be determined before the 2019 general elections are held.
PDP also argued that, ” The foregoing has created a situation of real urgency”.
The defendant were requested in the originating summons taken out by Kalu Kalu Agu, Esq to “Within 30 (thirty) days after service of this summons on the inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for them to this summons which is issued upon the application of the plaintiff for the determination of the following questions:
” Whether having regard to the provision of Section 12 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended 2015) and Paragraph 2 of the 2019 INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, foreigners and/or aliens can participate either directly or indirectly in the General Elections of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Whether the participation of 2 Nigerien governors in the 4th defendant campaign rally is not contrary to Nigerian law and public policy.
Upon determination of these, PDP also seek a declaration that, ” Having regard to the provision of Section 12 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), foreigners and/or aliens can participate either directly or indirectly in the General Elections of the Federal Repub|ic of Nigeria.
“That the participation of 2 Nigerien governors in the 4‘th defendant’s campaign rally is contrary to Nigerian law and public policy.
The party also requested for an order, “Directing the 1st,3rd defendants to preclude and ensure that foreigners/aliens do not participate in the 2019 general election.
” Restraining the 4th defendant from inviting or in any way involving foreigners from further participating in its rallies and campaign activities howsoever described”.
