The Court of Appeal in Abuja has voided the judgment of the Federal High Court in Umuahia which invalidated the provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The provision at issue intends to bar political appointees from contesting or voting in party primaries and conventions without resigning from their positions 30 days prior.

This affects many politicians, including the minister for transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and the minister for labour, Chris Ngige, among others, who have declared intentions to run for the office of the president in 2023. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, is also affected. Malami is aspiring for the governorship in Kebbi State.

The Federal High Court in Umuahia had earlier voided the section, giving the affected politicians temporary relief.