PDP slams Buhari with lawsuit over presence of Nigerien governors at his rally

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over the attendance of two Nigerien governors at his rally in Kano.

Issa Moussa of Zinder and Zakiri Umar of Maradi, the governors, attended the rally which held on January 31.

In a suit, the opposition party asked a federal high court in Abuja to determine whether the presence of governors of the neighbouring countries is not a violation of Nigerian laws.

Quoting section 12 of the electoral act 2010, the opposition party argued that only Nigerian citizens are eligible to participate in elections in Nigeria.

“The substantive matter in this suit seeks an order of this honourable court, seeking to direct the 1st-3rd defendants to preclude and ensure that foreigners/aliens do not participate in the 2019 general elections,” the suit read.

“The substantive suit is a pre-election matter as it raises issues that ought to be determined before the 2019 general elections are held. The foregoing has created a situation of real urgency.

“A DECLARATION that, having regard to the provisison of Section 12 of the Electoral Act 2-10 (as amended), foreigners and/ or aliens cannot partivipate either directly or indirectly in the General Electionms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“A DECLARATION that the participation of the 2 Nigerien governors in the 4th defendant’s campaign rally is contrary to Nigerian law and public policy.

Joined in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Abdulrahman Dambazau, minister for interior; and the APC.

The suit was filed on behalf of the opposition party by Adedamola Fanokun, a lawyer, on February 8.