Richard Bature Sues ADC, INEC for substituting his Name as Party’s Guber Candidate

By Jide Afolabi, Jos

An African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Engr Richard Ponkap Bature has sued his party and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for substituting his name with Joseph Bitrus Musa as the party’s candidate in the 2019 governorship election in Plateau state.

Richard Bature who won the ADC primaries conducted by the state chapter of the party and observed by INEC was declared the winner but when name was forwarded for final screening to Abuja, the National leadership of ADC manipulated the result.

In his originating summons filed by the plaintiff counsel, Barr. Nimnan V. Denden dated 14th December, 2018, says let all parties concerned appears before this honourable court within 30 days after service of this summons on them inclusive of the day of such service cause an appearance to be entered for them to this summons which issued upon application of Richard Bature .

According to the counsel, Barr Ndenden whether having regards to the provisions of the electoral act 2010 as amended particularly section 87 and article 8B and article 20 of the constitution of the ADC .

He pointing out ,”the plaintiff being the sole candidate during the gubernatorial primaries elected in Plateau state and having been so affirmed and issued a certificate of return to contest for the position of the Governor in the forth coming 2019 general elections is not the validly nominated candidate of African Democratic Congress”.

Ndenden frowns at the imposition of the 3rd defendant to replace the validly elected plaintiff as the flag bearer of the 2nd Defendant is not illegal, null and void .

He sought for four reliefs upon the determination of the questions ,the plaintiff seeks the following;

A declaration that having regards to the provisions of section 87 of the electoral act amended 2010 in article 8B and article 20 of the constitution of ADC ,the plaintiff is the valid candidate nominated as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the party.

Second a declaration that the imposition of the 3rd defendant is illegal null and void.

Thirdly that such further orders as the judge may deem fit to make in the circumstance and lastly cost of this action including exhibits mark from A1 to Az.

The matter is before the Federal High Court, Jos Division.