The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has taken legal action against President Bola Tinubu for allegedly nominating a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP leaders, Aniekan Akpan and Harrison Ekpo, filed the suit in the Federal High Court in Abuja, naming Tinubu, the Senate, and the nominated REC, Etekamba Umoren, as defendants.

ALSO READ: Tinubu sends strict warning to ministers – “Deliver or face dismissal”

The plaintiffs provided photographic evidence of Umoren wearing APC clothing and participating in campaign activities for APC members.

They seek the court’s declaration that President Tinubu cannot nominate Umoren as the REC for Akwa Ibom State and argue that Umoren’s appointment is illegal and unconstitutional.

The PDP leaders request the court to issue an injunction preventing the Senate from confirming Umoren as the REC and restraining Umoren from acting as REC for Akwa Ibom State.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed the party’s opposition to Umoren’s appointment, alleging that it is a plot by the APC to manipulate future elections and maintain its power.

ALSO READ: Akwa Ibom governor congratulates Tinubu on supreme court victory

Ologunagba argued that Umoren’s appointment violates the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the principle of impartiality required of electoral officials.

He urged President Tinubu to appoint a neutral REC to prevent potential electoral crises and maintain the integrity of the electoral process in Akwa Ibom State. No hearing date for the case has been set.