Again, APC, Tinubu face fresh suit over Muslim-Muslim ticket

Osigwe Momoh, an Abuja-based lawyer, has taken the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to a Federal High Court in Abuja for fielding presidential and vice-president candidates of the same faith.

In the petition, the lawyer wants a permanent injunction to prevent the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the identity of the APC presidential candidate in the next elections, citing a breach of the Nigeria Constitution.

The action, FHC/ABJ/CS/1188/2022, argued that choosing the Party’s presidential flagbearer and running mate from the same faith violates the Nigeria Constitution’s principle and spirit.

In the originating summons, the plaintiff (Osigwe Momoh) argued that Political Parties must have their presidential and vice presidential candidates from different sections of the nation (tribal and religious groups) under Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

As a result, he wants a declaration that:
“by virtue of Sections 14 (1) & (3), 15 and 224(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the defendants are bound by the principles of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and having the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the same religion is unconstitutional and null and void.

“That all Political Parties must by virtue of chapter two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), have their presidential and vice presidential candidate from different sectional (tribal and religious groups) of the nation.

“An order nullifying the candidacy of APC, Tinubu (1st And 2nd), same being unconstitutional and against the spirit and letters of Sections 14 (1) & (3), 15 and 224 (a) of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The human rights activist asked the Court to prevent the 3rd defendant (INEC) from publishing the 1st defendant’s (APC) nominee as a presidential contender in the upcoming 2023 general elections.

The defendants in the complaint are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and INEC, in that order.

Meanwhile, no date has been set for the suit’s hearing.