Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Ahead of the February 16 elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has approached a Federal High Court, in Abuja, to stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from involving foreigners in the participation of the polls.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2019, the PDP listed the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Minister of Interior and the APC as defendants and asked for an order directing the minister to preclude and ensure that foreigners/aliens do not participate in the elections.
The siut, filed on behalf of the PDP by its counsel, Agu Kalu Agu, followed the participation of two governors from the Niger Republic, Governor Issa Moussa of Zinder State and his counterpart, Governor Zakiri Umar of Maradi State, at the APC presidential rally in Kano, on Thursday, January 31.
The PDP alleged that the participation of the two foreign governors, at the said rally, has given fears that they will take part in the election process in border states and other parts of the country.
The party prayed the court for an order restraining the APC from involving or in any way involving foreigners from further participating i its rallies and campaign activities howsoever described.
PDP also asked the court to determine whether having regards to the provisions of section 22 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended, and guidelines for the conduct of the 2019 general election, foreigners and or aliens can participate, either directly or indirectly, in the Nigerian elections.
The party is also asking whether the participation of the two Nigerien governors, in the APC campaign rally, is not contrary to the law and public policy.