APC Decries INEC’s Removal of Bayelsa Gubernatorial Candidate’s Name

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent exclusion of the APC’s candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva in the updated list of its gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming, November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka said the  decision has triggered a strong response from the political party.

“This move by INEC appears to be linked to a High Court judgment on October 9, 2023, which disqualified Chief Timipre Sylva as the party’s candidate,” Morka stated.

“In response to this judgment, the APC has appealed and initiated various legal processes to seek a stay of execution on the judgment”. 

He said The All Progressives Congress has expressed its dissatisfaction with INEC’s preemptive action in delisting their candidate before the appeal process is concluded.

The party asserts that INEC’s practice has typically been to await the decisions of appellate courts before taking any action that could potentially harm the appellants’ interests.

Pose challenges

The APC Publicity Secretary further said  the removal of the APC candidate from the list of gubernatorial contestants in Bayelsa State could pose challenges for the appellate court, the candidate, and the party in the event that the appeal is successful.

The APC urges INEC to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness.

The Party which called upon the people of Bayelsa State, particularly its members and supporters, to remain calm and patient as the judicial process unfolds, expresses confidence that its candidate will ultimately prevail, both in the Court of Appeal and at the polls.

Lateefah Ibrahim