On Tuesday, after both sides had submitted their arguments and adopted their processes in the case, Judge Inyang Ekwo decided that February 15 was a suitable date to announce his ruling.
The plaintiffs, Chikwe Nkemnacho and Kenneth Nkemnacho—residents of the United Kingdom who are representing Nigerians in the Diaspora, initiated this lawsuit.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the INEC chairperson, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Federal Republic of Nigeria are listed as defendants.
In lawsuit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2119/2022, the petitioners asked the court to order INEC and other respondents to stop campaigning for elections until all eligible voters in diaspora were included on registration lists.
They also requested that, in accordance with sections 13 and 14 of the 1999 constitution, as well as sections 42 and 17 that those who are eligible to vote be allowed to register for elections regardless of their place of residence.
The party sought a court declaration that the electoral commission still had time to comply with sections 13, 14, and 15 of the 1999 constitution.
They argued that unless they are allowed to vote in the 2023 elections and subsequent ones, their rights under the country’s constitution would be violated.
