APC hails Appeal Court’s reinstatement of Sylva as candidate

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the decision of the Court of Appeal on Tuesday setting aside the disqualification of its governorship candidate Chief Timipre Sylva from the Nov 11 governorship poll.

The Bayelsa APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary Mr Doifie Buokoribo noted that it welcomed the judgement, describing it as a big win for democracy and victory for the Bayelsa people.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday reversed the disqualification of the APC candidate for the Nov poll.

The statement by Buokoribo, said: “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 backwards. Democracy is about choices. 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.”

The Appeal Court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, ruled that: The First Respondent (Mr Demesuoyefa Kolomo) is not an aspirant in the elections and therefore lacks the locus standi to file the case; that the upper court cannot exercise jurisdiction where the lower court lacks it; and that the appeal is meritorious and allowed.”

The appeal followed 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 excuse that he had taken the oath of office twice as Governor of Bayelsa State.

Subsequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) de-listed Sylva’s name from the list of candidates.