Court disqualifies Bayelsa APC governorship candidate Timipre Sylva
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Chief Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former petroleum minister, is not eligible to contest the upcoming November 11 election in Bayelsa State.
Justice Donatus Okorowo delivered the ruling on Monday, stating that Sylva, having served two terms and ruled for a total of five years as the state’s governor, would violate the constitutional provision if allowed to run again.
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Justice Okorowo explained that the 1999 constitution, as amended, prohibits anyone from being elected as governor for more than two terms. Referring to the case of Marwa vs Nyako at the Supreme Court, the judge emphasized that the constitution does not allow for its expansion or alteration to favor a candidate.
In the previous case, the Supreme Court had made it clear that a person can only be elected as governor twice. Therefore, if Sylva was allowed to participate in the upcoming election and eventually won, it would set a precedent that undermines the constitutional limits on the number of terms a candidate can serve.
The court’s decision to disqualify Sylva is based on the objective interpretation of the constitution, ensuring that fair and transparent electoral processes are upheld. This ruling aims to maintain the integrity of the democratic system and prevent potential abuse of power through unlimited terms in office.
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