In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a verdict disqualifying Chief Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, from participating in the upcoming Bayelsa state gubernatorial election slated for November 11.
The lawsuit, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 on June 13, 2023, was brought forth by Deme Kolomo, an APC member.
The Ruling
Justice Donatus Okorowo, presiding over the case, issued the ruling. He emphasized that allowing Timipre Sylva to contest the election would contravene the 1999 constitution, as amended. Sylva, having served as governor of the state for two terms totaling five years, would exceed the constitutional limit if he were to be elected again.
Constitutional Limitation
Justice Okorowo cited the case of Marwa vs. Nyako, a precedent set by the Supreme Court. In this case, it was established that no individual could be elected as governor more than two times. It was agreed upon by all parties involved that Sylva had previously been elected into office twice.
He underscored the Supreme Court's position that the constitution and its boundaries should not be expanded, emphasizing that permitting Sylva to participate in the forthcoming election would set a precedent where individuals could compete for the position indefinitely.
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