Court orders deletion of controversial section 84 (12) from electoral act

A federal high court sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has ordered the deletion of the controversial section 84 (12) of the recently signed electoral act 2022.

Justice Evelyn Anyadike delivering judgment on Friday ordered the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami to oversee the process which requires a fresh legislative reworking and return to the president for fresh assent.

The court ruling comes weeks after the Nigerian Senate rejected the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to amend the controversial section which bars political appointees at any level to be a voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election.

Mr Malami, who is reportedly aspiring to contest for the Kebbi state guber race, had recently hinted that the Buhari-led administration might seek redress in court to ensure the section is amended.