The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, on Tuesday, described as “a big win for democracy and victory for Bayelsa”, the judgement of the Appeal Court, Abuja, which reversed the disqualification of its governorship candidate for the state governorship election, Timipre Sylva.
The state APC reacted to the judgement in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Doifie Buokoribo, and made available to journalists.
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In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court ruled that the litigant, Mr Demesuoyefa Kolomo, was not an aspirant in the election and therefore lacks the locus standi to file the case.
It also held that the upper court cannot exercise jurisdiction where the lower court lacks it, and that the appeal was meritorious and allowed.
The court, therefore, awarded a cost of N1 million against the respondent, Kolomo.
Recall that the appeal was sequel to the October 9, 2023 judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided by Justice Donatus Okorowo which nullified the candidature of Sylva in the November 11 governorship election on the grounds that he had taken the oath of office twice as governor of Bayelsa.
Subsequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-listed Sylva’s name from the list of candidates for the governorship polls in the state.
The state APC, according to the statement, said that justice had been served in the case.
It stated: “The Appeal Court by its ruling has given the people of Bayelsa State a choice on November 11. A choice between light and darkness. A choice between moving to the mountain top and descending to the valley below.
“A choice between moving forward and backward. Democracy is about choices. And the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in sponsoring this frivolous case has demonstrated its mortal fear of our party, APC, and candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva.
“The PDP is desperate. They do not want us on the ballot. We thank God that this distraction is now over. Justice has been served.”
