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Nigerian court delays poll plea New delay for Nigeria poll appeal
(about 21 hours later)
A Nigerian court has postponed a case filed by Vice-President Atiku Abubakar challenging his exclusion from next month's presidential elections. A Nigerian court has again postponed a case filed by Vice-President Atiku Abubakar challenging his exclusion from next month's presidential elections.
The hearing was delayed until Tuesday as the judge has to fly from Lagos. The case had been fast-tracked, as the polls are in just four weeks. The hearing is now to take place on Friday, after being initially set for Monday. The case had been fast-tracked, as the polls are in just four weeks.
Mr Abubakar was rejected after being indicted by a government ministerial panel on charges of corruption.Mr Abubakar was rejected after being indicted by a government ministerial panel on charges of corruption.
Nigeria's electoral commission (Inec) has allowed 24 candidates to run.Nigeria's electoral commission (Inec) has allowed 24 candidates to run.
If Mr Abubakar wins the poll could be delayed to reprint ballot papers. If Mr Abubakar wins his court case, the poll could be delayed to reprint ballot papers.
Trial judge Tijani Abubakar, who had to fly into the capital, Abuja, from Lagos to hear the case, said a fast-tracked hearing was necessary in view the urgency of the issue.
Despite the new delay, Mr Atiku's spokesman Garba Shehu said he was satisfied with the progress of the case.
"We are happy that they have agreed to give us accelerated hearing. The most important thing for us is to be within the time limit that will enable us to be accommodated on the ballot."
Mr Abubakar became a leading opposition candidate for the Action Congress after falling out with former ally President Olusegun Obasanjo and his party is still campaigning across the country.Mr Abubakar became a leading opposition candidate for the Action Congress after falling out with former ally President Olusegun Obasanjo and his party is still campaigning across the country.
President Obasanjo is standing down after two terms and Umaru Yar'Adua is standing on behalf of his People's Democratic Party (PDP).President Obasanjo is standing down after two terms and Umaru Yar'Adua is standing on behalf of his People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) is the best known challenger on the list of 24 approved candidates.Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) is the best known challenger on the list of 24 approved candidates.