APC KANO RALLY: Presence of Niger Republic governors did not violate any law- INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the presence of some governors from Niger Republic at President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign rally in Kano State did not violate any Nigerian law.

INEC said this while reacting to the controversy generated by the visit.

Two governors from the country — Issa Moussa of Zinder and Zakiri Umar of Maradi — were part of those who received the president in Kano.

Reacting, Uche Secundus, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had asked INEC fo disqualify Buhari from the presidential election over the development.

Read also: APC explains presence of foreign govs at Buhari’s rally

“They came with monies and mercenaries to influence elections in Nigeria,” Secondus alleged on Thursday.

But speaking to TheCable, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, INEC director of Voter Education and Publicity, said the governors’ presence in Kano did not violate the law “as far as I am aware”.

He said the law only prohibits foreigners’ direct involvement in the electoral process.

“They are not allowed to participate as either candidates or voters,” Osaze-Uzzi said on Saturday.

“But they can only observe the process. As far as I am concerned, their presence does not violate the constitution.”

He also said the commission has no powers to disqualify the president, adding that only the courts can.

“INEC has no power to disqualify any candidate,” he said, replying PDP.

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