The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken the name of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, off the list of candidates for the upcoming November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State. This decision also extends to Sylva’s running mate, Joshua Maciver.
The updated list, which can be viewed on the INEC website, now shows the column for the names of the APC candidate and his running mate as blank with the explanation “court order.”
The revised list bears the signature of Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Secretary to the Commission.
This action by INEC follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 10, which disqualified Timipre Sylva from participating in the Bayelsa state governorship election.
Justice Donatus Okorowo, in his judgment, cited the 1999 constitution as amended, arguing that allowing Sylva to contest again would result in him serving more than eight years as the governor of Bayelsa, having already been sworn in twice and ruled for five years.