The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday dismissed a suit challenging the decision of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, not to hand power over to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo while embarking on a nine-day “private visit” to the United Kingdom April last year.

Justice Ayokunle Faji dismissed the suit on the grounds that the plaintiff, Inibehe Effiong, had no locus standi to file suit.

The judge said Effiong, a lawyer, failed to disclose any special interest as to how Buhari’s alleged constitutional infraction affected him personally over and above other citizens.

The lawyer had in the suit contended that Buhari acted contrary to Section 145 of the constitution by not transmitting power to Osinbajo while proceeding on his private visit to London last year.

Joined as defendants in the suit were Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In opposition to the suit, the defendants argued that Buhari did not violate Section 145 of the constitution since he was only away for nine days rather than up to 21 days that would require him to transmit power to Osinbajo.

The judge agreed with them.

The plaintiff vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.