PDP Bans Nigerian Canadian From Contesting For Anambra Governorship Election Over Dual Citizenship

August 11, 2017 – PDP Bans Nigerian Canadian From Contesting For Anambra Governorship Election Over Dual Citizenship

The PDP has barred Mr. Akolisa Ufodike from participating in the Anambra State governorship primary election for holding Nigerian and Canadian citizenships.

The party, however, cleared a serving senator, Stella Oduah, oil magnate, Dr. Patrick Ubah and House of Representatives member, Lynda Ikpeazu for the governorship primary.

A former Minister of State, John Okechukwu Emeka and Dr. Alex Obiogolu were also cleared by the party.

However, Mr. Oseloka Henry Obaze’s clearance was put on hold pending the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) approval of his waiver application.

The Chairman of the screening committee, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, who addressed journalists on the outcome of the exercise, said Ufodike was barred based on the provision of Section 182(1) of the Nigerian Constitution.

According to Waziri, the said provision made it explicitly clear that anyone aspiring to become a governor of a state must hold only a Nigerian citizenship.

Other elective offices affected by the provision included the President, Vice President, deputy governors and members of National and state Assemblies.

[NAN]