The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for prematurely delisting Chief Timipre Sylva, its candidate, from the gubernatorial candidates’ list for the November 11 Bayelsa governorship election.
Mr. Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed the party’s concerns in a statement issued in Abuja.
“The attention of the APC has been drawn to the updated list of gubernatorial candidates for the Nov. 11 governorship election in Bayelsa by INEC, which excluded our candidate’s name, Chief Timipre Sylva.
“This action by INEC may not be unconnected with the High Court judgment of Oct. 9, which disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva as the candidate of our party.
“Our candidate and party promptly appealed that judgment and brought other processes seeking a stay of the judgment’s execution.
“Recognising the extreme urgency of the matter, the Court of Appeal granted an order of accelerated hearing of the matter now fixed for definite hearing on Friday, Oct. 27,” Morka said.
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Morka emphasized that INEC was aware of the ongoing legal proceedings and had received all relevant documents. He argued that removing the APC candidate prematurely could disrupt the appeal process and create a sense of helplessness in the court, candidate, and party if the appeal succeeded.
The APC urged INEC to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness. Morka also called for calm among the people of Bayelsa, especially APC members and supporters, while the judicial process unfolds. He expressed confidence in the party’s victory at the Court of Appeal and the polls.
The Federal High Court’s Justice Donatus Okorowo had ruled on October 9, disqualifying Sylva from participating in the November 11 governorship election.
The judgment was based on Sylva’s previous two terms as governor, which, according to Okorowo, would violate the constitution if he were allowed to contest again.
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