In a landmark decision on Friday, the Supreme Court affirmed the results of the Bayelsa Governorship Election, upholding Senator Douye Diri’s victory and dismissing the appeal from All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Timipre Sylva.
The apex court’s lead judgment, delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, deemed Sylva’s appeal and that of the APC as not only meritless but also as an abuse of court process. The Supreme Court’s ruling affirms the earlier decisions made by both the Court of Appeal and the Bayelsa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
On July 18, 2024, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had unanimously backed the tribunal’s decision, which had earlier confirmed Diri’s reelection on November 11, 2023. The appellate court dismissed the appeal brought by Sylva and the APC, which sought to overturn the tribunal’s ruling.
The Election Petition Tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, had on May 27, 2024, rejected the petition from Sylva and the APC, citing a lack of credible evidence to support their claims against Diri’s election victory.
This ruling marks a decisive end to the legal challenges against Diri’s tenure, solidifying his position as the Governor of Bayelsa State.
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