Stop Northern Presidential Candidates, Lawyer Tells Court

A lawyer, Othniel Ikpibako has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for an injunction restraining the Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress from fielding or presenting any candidate from Northern Nigeria to contest the presidential elections in 2023.

The lawyer also requested that the court issue an injunction prohibiting the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting or recognising any candidate from Northern Nigeria fielded by the PDP, APC, or any other political party in the country for the country’s upcoming presidential election.

He prayed the court for a declaration that “either the people of Northern Nigeria or the people of Southern Nigeria cannot hold the office of the Nigerian President for more than two-term tenure of eight years consecutively without violation of the collective right of freedom from domination of the people of the other region.

“A declaration that the intention of some Northern Nigerians to contest office of the President in 2023 is a likely violation of the right of freedom from domination of the people of Southern Nigeria.”

Ikpibako stated that both the orders and declarations sought are pursuant to Article 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The lawyer, who set out only one question for determination, stated that, “Given that the incumbent President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), a Northern Nigerian, is entitled to complete a two-term tenure of eight years by May 29, 2023, whether if another Northern Nigerian succeeds Buhari on May 29, 2023, it will not amount to the domination of the people of Southern Nigeria by Northern Nigeria, contrary to Article 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Meanwhile, at the hearing of the matter on Wednesday, the lawyer was represented by Bernard Omang, while there was no representation from INEC, PDP, and APC, who were listed as first to third respondents in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/402/22.

The lawyer has sued for himself and on behalf of all Nigerians.

However, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ordered the issuance of hearing notice to all respondents and adjourned the matter till October 17, for hearing.

The lawyer, in an affidavit deposed to, stated that the suit was brought on his behalf and in the interest of all Nigerians, to foster unity, peace and progress in Nigeria.

He averred that the politics of Nigeria is usually polarised between Northern and Southern Nigeria; and that when President Goodluck Jonathan, from Southern Nigeria, won the 2011 presidential election, many Southern Nigerians were killed in Northern Nigeria in reaction to his victory.

Ikpibako stated further that when President Buhari, from Northern Nigeria, won both the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, they culminated in renewed agitations for the Republic of Biafra and the Oodua Republic from Southern Nigeria.