The Court of Appeal has reversed the disqualification of Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appellate court in Abuja on Tuesday set aside the October 9 judgment by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court which nullified the nomination of Sylva.
The court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The Bayelsa state governorship election is slated for November 11, 2023.
Background
Justice Donatus Okorowo in his judgment on October 9 had declared Sylva’s candidacy invalid.
The judge cited his previous two terms as governor, which spanned a total of five years in Bayelsa State.
The court held that Sylva’s bid for another gubernatorial term would contravene the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Aggrieved by the court disqualification, Sylva filed an appeal before the court of appeal in Abuja.
He also filled a motion at the lower court dated October 10, 2023, seeking the court to temporarily halt the execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.
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Court’s decision
A three-member panel of the appellate court in its judgemnt held that the person who instituted the suit lacked the locus standi to approach the court since he wasn’t an aspirant that participated in the election.
consequently, the court set aside the judgment of the lower court and granted the reliefs sought by Sylva
The court also awarded N1million cost in favour of Sylva.
