2023: Lawsuit Filed Against APC, Tinubu Over Muslim-Muslim Ticket

The All Progressives Congress and its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu have been dragged before the Federal High Court in Federal Capital Territory, by an Abuja-based lawyer, Osigwe Momoh over their Muslim/Muslim ticket.

Momoh is seeking an order restraining the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) from publishing Tinubu’s name ahead of the 2023 presidential election for violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

The suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/1188/2022 claimed that the Muslim/Muslim ticket of the ruling party violates the principle and the spirit of the Nigeria Constitution.

The lawyer in the originating summons argued that political parties must by 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.

He, therefore, seeks a declaration that:
“by 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 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.”

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.