The controversy over the order by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to political parties to stop their campaigns after rescheduling the Presdiential and National Assembly elections have shifted to the court.

The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP), which directed its over 51 member parties to resume their political campaigns today (February 18, 2019) and end it by midnight of Thursday, February 21, have dragged INEC before a Federal High Court.

In the suit filed on Monday by its Spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP is seeking for an exparte order restraining INEC from interfering with campaigns by opposition parties until the midnight of February 21, 2019. Ugochinyere doubles as National Chairman of Action Peoples Party (APP).

CUPP in the Originating process is asking the court to decide:

1. “Whether having regard to the combined effect of the mandatory statutory provisions of Sections 99(1), 100(1) and 101(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as Amended), INEC can validly issue any directive or make any order stopping, barring or ending campaign by registered political parties, including the Plaintiff APP, for the 2019 General Elections to a period other than 24 hours prior to the date of the elections”

2. “Whether by Sections 99(1), 100(1) and 101(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as Amended) the announcement, directive or order by INEC directing registered political parties, including the APP, to stop or end their campaign for the 2019 General Elections on 14th February, 2019 for polls that will hold on 23rd February, 2019 is not ultra vires its powers, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever”.

The Opposition is thus seeking for “A DECLARATION that:

1. INEC cannot issue any directive or make any order stopping, barring or ending campaign by registered political parties, including the APP, for the 2019 General Elections to a period other than 24 hours prior to the date of the elections;

2. The announcement, directive or order by INEC directing political parties, including the APP, to stop or end their campaign for the 2019 General Elections on 14th February, 2019 for polls that will hold on 23rd February, 2019 is ultra vires its powers, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever; and

3. In view of the postponement of the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections till 23rd February, 2019, APP Party and indeed all registered political parties in Nigeria are legally entitled, pursuant to Sections 99(1), 100(1) and 101(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as

Amended), to resume forthwith and/or recommence campaign until 21st February, 2019 been 24 hours prior the date of the election.

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