tawandamusarurwa
Lincoln Towindo in ABUJA, Nigeria
NIGERIA’S Supreme Court on Friday threw out an application seeking the disqualification of the ruling party’s vice president Kashim Shettima’s candidacy in the February general elections, giving the green light for the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu tomorrow.
The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had sought to nullify the election of vice president-elect Kashim Shettima, alleging that his nomination as Mr Tinubu’s running mate contravened the West African country’s constitution.
The opposition had argued in court that Mr Shettima’s nomination to simultaneously contest the positions of vice president and a senatorial seat was in breach of the law.
A five-member bench of the country’s apex court, however, ruled that the application lacked merit.
The court held that there was evidence Mr Shettima withdrew his nomination for the senatorial seat.
Reading the unanimous judgment, Justice Adamu Jauro said the PDP had no right to file legal action challenging the internal affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Whichever angle this appeal praying for the disqualification of Tinubu and Shettima on the grounds of alleged double nomination of Shettima is viewed, it is frivolous and liable to be dismissed,” said the court.
The ruling paved the way for the inauguration of president-elect Tinubu as Nigeria’s 16th head of state here tomorrow at the Eagle Square.
He will be sworn into office alongside vice president-elect Mr Shettima.
Over 50 countries, including Zimbabwe, are sending high- level delegations to witness Nigeria’s seventh consecutive democratic transfer of power.
Yesterday, security personnel were on high alert around Abuja in preparation for the arrival of high-level guests, including Heads of State and government, who began arriving in the afternoon.
On Thursday, the president-elect was conferred with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, which is exclusively given to presidents ahead of assuming power.
President-elect Tinubu (70) — candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress — won the February 25 presidential election, garnering 37 percent of the vote.
He beat rivals Atiku Abubakar (PDP), who polled 29 percent, and Peter Obi (Labour Party) — 25 percent.
Online Reporter