Federal High Court Disqualifies APC’s Sylva in Bayelsa Gubernatorial Race

In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly issued a ruling that disqualifies Chief Timipre Sylva, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from participating in the upcoming November 11 election in Bayelsa State.

The verdict was delivered on Monday by Justice Donatus Okorowo, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.

Justice Okorowo’s ruling was grounded in a constitutional interpretation, highlighting the potential breach of the 1999 constitution as amended if Sylva were allowed to run again.

Notably, Sylva had previously held the position of governor for two non-consecutive terms, totaling five years, which, according to the judge, would exceed the constitutional limit of eight years if he were to win the forthcoming election.

Citing the precedent set in the case of Marwa vs. Nyako at the Supreme Court, Justice Okorowo reaffirmed the constitutional principle that no individual should be eligible to be elected governor more than two times.

It was emphasized that all parties involved in the suit acknowledged that Sylva had indeed served two terms as governor.

The judge further maintained that the Supreme Court had previously ruled, as seen in the case of Marwa vs. Nyako, that there should be no attempts to expand or alter the constitution’s stipulations.

This ruling has far-reaching implications, not only for Bayelsa State’s political landscape but also for the broader interpretation of constitutional provisions related to term limits for elected officials.

It sets a precedent that upholds the constitution’s intent to prevent individuals from holding the office of governor beyond the prescribed limit, reinforcing the principles of democratic governance in Nigeria.