A Federal High Court in Abuja has disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 11, 2023 governorship election. Deme Kolomo, a party member, filed a suit challenging Sylva's qualification to contest the election, citing his prior two-term oath of office as governor and five-year rule in Bayelsa state as the basis for his claim.
Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court ruled on Monday that Sylva's candidacy would violate the 1999 constitution as amended, as he had been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as governor.
In response, APC campaign spokesman Perry Tukuwei expressed confidence in their candidate's victory and urged supporters not to be concerned. He cited sections 29 and 84 of the 2022 Electoral Act and section 285 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution as reasons why the case should be dismissed, including the plaintiff's lack of locus standi and the untimely filing of the case.
He also criticized the case's location in Abuja rather than Bayelsa, where the primaries occurred, and promised to appeal the Federal High Court's decision.
The Bayelsa All Progressives Congress remains determined to elect Chief Timipre Sylva as the next Governor of Bayelsa State, according to Tukuwei
