Abuja Federal High Court Strikes Out Buhari Eligibility Suits

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen – Two Counsels to the Plaintiffs in two of the three suits seeking disqualification of President – Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (rted) from contesting last Presidential Election, have withdrawn their cases before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the hearing today, one of the Lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed Justice Ademola about his Client’s intention to discontinue with the suit, so as to ensure the Buhari – led administration was focus on the huge task of governance before it.

Similarly, Dr. Chike Amobi, Counsel to another plaintiff, Max Ozoaka upon calling him for appearance, announced his Client’s withdrawal of the suit, on the same grounds.

Justice Ademola after the declaration of intention, subsequently struck out the matter.

Still, the third and last suit filed by another petitioner, Ayakeme Whiskey also on eligibility is due for hearing before the same Judge.

The complainants have previously argued that the respondent, General Buhari (rted) failed to submit his academic qualifications certificate to the INEC, an offence which they offered contravened 1999 constitutional provisions, of sections 131 and 318, as well as section 31(3) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

They have therefore prayed the court to disqualify the opposition APC Presidential Candidate from contesting the rescheduled Saturday March 28, 2015 Presidential poll won by the respondent – Buhari.

The suits have been adjourned about three times ahead of Wednesday’s declaration by the two Counsels.