The Peoples Democratic Party has filed a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, Minister of Interior and All Progressives Congress over the participation of foreigners in the elections.

In the originating summons, the PDP is asking the court to determine “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”.

The opposition party also wants the court to determine “whether the participation of Nigerien governors in the 4th defendant’s campaign rally is not contrary to Nigerian law and public policy”.

INEC, the NIS and Minister of Interior are the 1st to 3rd defendants in the suit respectively, while the APC is the 4th defendant.

After determining the matter before it, the PDP wants the court to declare that “having regard to the provision of Section 12 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), foreigners and/or aliens cannot participate either directly or indirectly in the General Elections of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

It also wants the court to declare that “the participation of 2 Nigerien governors in the 4th defendant (APC)’s campaign rally is contrary to Nigerian law and public policy”.

Furthermore, the court wants the court to issue an order directing the 1st to 3rd defendants to preclude and ensure that foreigners/aliens do not participate in the 2019 general elections.

The PDP is also seeking an order restraining APC from inviting or in any way involving foreigners in its rallies and campaigns.

•Sourced from a Channels TV report

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