In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, from participating in the upcoming November 11 election in Bayelsa State.
Justice Donatus Okorowo delivered this ruling on Monday, citing a breach of the 1999 constitution as amended.
According to the judgment, Sylva, having previously served two terms as governor and ruled for a total of five years, would exceed the constitutional limit if allowed to contest again.
Justice Okorowo pointed out that the constitution limits individuals to two terms as governor, and both parties involved in the case agreed that Sylva had been elected twice.
The judge referred to the Supreme Court’s precedent in the case of Marwa vs. Nyako, emphasizing that the constitution’s framers clearly stated that no one should be eligible for the governor’s office more than two times.
Furthermore, Justice Okorowo asserted that allowing Sylva to run in the next election would set a precedent where individuals could contest repeatedly, contrary to the constitution.
This ruling has significant implications for the political landscape in Bayelsa State ahead of the upcoming election.