2023: Peter Obi Faces Disqualification Over Alleged Dual Citizenship

The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has filed a case before the Federal High Court in Abuja calling for the disqualification of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.

The political party alleged that the presidential candidate should be disqualified over his alleged possession of dual citizenship of two countries.

NRM in the suit filed against Obi is praying to the court for an order to disqualify him from the presidential race on the ground of breach of the 1999 Constitution.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1842/2022, the former governor of Anambra State was accused of acquiring citizenship of Dallas in Texas, United States of America in breach of sections 1 and 137 of Nigeria’s Constitution.

The party through its counsel, Mohammed Danjuma asked for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing, dealing or affording Peter Obi any right or privilege to stand for the presidential election.

In a 14-paragraph affidavit in support of the suit, Peter Obi was said to have voluntarily acquired Dallas citizenship and the certificate of citizenship presented to him by the Mayor of Dallas, Eric Johnson.

The party produced the picture and video recording of the presentation of the citizenship certificate to establish its case against the defendant.

The presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo on Monday in his ruling lambasted the plaintiff for the inability to serve the originating summons on the defendants.

Justice Ekwo thereafter fixed February 10 for mention of the suit and threatened to strike out the case should the plaintiff fail to serve the court process of Peter Obi before the adjustment date.

Defendants in the suit are INEC, Peter Obi and Labour Party as 1st to 3rd defendants respectfully.