Court to hear all 13 applications against Buhari’s eligibility on March 19

The Court has adjourned its hearing of all applications against General Muhammadu Buhari’s eligibility as presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to March 19, 2015.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, who made this adjournment stated that it was to enable the court hear all 13 applications including those seeking to join the suit against Buhari’s eligibility in the forth coming election.

Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who was in court for the plaintiffs, announced that he had not been served with the defendants’ response to the suit. He was promptly served by Defence Counsel, Akin Olujimi and Lateef Fagbemi; who had 10 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) with them in court; representing the defendants – No objections were raised by plaintiff’s Counsel.

Ozekhome then asked the court for two things; a short adjournment to enable him respond to the issues raised, and an accelerated hearing on the ground that the outcome of the case would have effect on the elections. This latter statement was however disputed by Defence Counsel, as they maintained that the outcome of the case was not a condition precedent on the conduct of the election.

Buhari’s Counsel Wole Olanikpekun at the last court sitting, informed the judge that his client Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was opposing the suit in its entirety and was ready to challenge all the suits against his eligibility, including those filed by Chike Okafor and Max Ozoaka.

Okafor is asking the court for an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove or delete the name of Buhari and his party, the APC, from the list of persons and political parties eligible to contest for the office of president. He has also asked the court to hold that the information contained in Buhari’s Form, C.F 001 stating that his educational qualification in the West African School Certificate (WASC) is with the Nigerian Army was false and therefore be disqualified from contesting in the

Justice Adeniyi Ademola will hear the suit on March 19, 2015.