By Milcah Tanimu
The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the disqualification of its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, from the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The party has vowed to challenge the decision.
Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had delivered a judgment on Monday disqualifying Sylva from contesting in the governorship election. The court held that Sylva, having served as Governor of Bayelsa for two terms totaling five years, would violate the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.
In response to the judgment, the Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Bayelsa Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Perry Tukuwei, issued a statement indicating that the party has instructed its lawyers to appeal the decision. Tukuwei expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the judgment of the Federal High Court.
Tukuwei argued that the judgment appeared to favor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate and was filed by Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo, who is not a member of the APC and did not participate in the party’s governorship primaries. He also pointed out that the case was filed outside the constitutionally prescribed 14-day period for election matters.
Additionally, Tukuwei criticized the decision to hear the case in Abuja instead of the state where the party primaries were held, contrary to a directive by the Supreme Court. He suggested that the case was part of a strategy by the PDP to thwart Sylva’s electoral prospects.
Despite the legal challenges, the APC expressed confidence in Sylva’s candidacy and urged Bayelsa residents to remain resolute in their support for him. The gubernatorial election is scheduled for February 14, 2024.
