From Princely Onyenwe
Tension is high in the Political atmosphere of Nigeria over a perceived gravity of suit filed by Augustine Temfeh-Nkemnacho on behalf of Nigerians of voting age resident in the united kingdom and other various parts of the world.
The Abroadians have taken President Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking enforcement of their fundamental rights to vote in the 2023 general elections.
In a suite marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2119/2022, the plaintiffs are praying the court of competent jurisdiction to stop President Buhari, and INEC from further proceeding with the 2023 electioneering process and Bio-Data base are updated to accommodate them as registered voters.
They approached the court to declare that “they” the Abroadians are entitled to participate in the electoral process by being registered to vote in 2023 and in all elections wherever that are domiciled worldwide in-line with sections 13, 14, 42 and 17 of the 1999 constitution.
Plaintiffs are praying for a declaration by the court to the effect that there is still sufficient time to for INEC to comply with provisions of sections 13, 14 and 15 of the 1999 constitution as amended.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who is handling the suit, which has INEC, Chairman of INEC, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as first to fourth defendants respectfully, fixed January 19,2023 for it’s mention and to allow the defendants file their respective responses.
If this petition is granted by the competent court of law, it implies that INEC will adjust the election time table to accommodate NIGERIAN/Diasporians all over the continents and even the prisoners and in extension will affect the census count and extend the dates fixed to conduct elections in NIGERIA.
The Abroadians are canvassing that unless they are allowed to vote in the upcoming 2023 Elections and subsequent ones, their fundamental rights as enshrined in the 1999 construction would be grossly violated.
Plaintiffs in the suit are Barrister Chikwem Nkemnacho and Kenneth Azubuike Nkemnacho, both resident in the United Kingdom but instituted the suit on behalf of other Nigerians in Diaspora worldwide.
This is happening at a critical time when Political parties are getting ready warming up for Campaigns.
Meanwhile, continuous permanent voters registration has ended and issuance of cards ongoing. How best can this matter be handled to grant NIGERIAN Diasporians their voting rights otherwise it will trauncate the already scheduled process and delay the 2023 elections.
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