The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned Justice Donatus Okorowo’s October 9 decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, nullifying Timipre Sylva‘s candidature as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Bayelsa State governorship election planned for November 11.
A three-man appellate court panel ruled on Tuesday, October 31, that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to hear and decide the petition submitted by Demesuoyefa Kolomo, who identified himself as a registered voter and APC member.
The court ruled that because Kolomo did not participate in the APC’s governorship primary, he lacked the locus standi to contest the party’s nominee’s nomination.
It then overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, granted Timipre Sylva’s appeal, and granted all of the reliefs requested.
The former Bayelsa State governor was also awarded N1 million by the court.
In a separate judgement, the court also granted the APC’s identical appeal on the same basis and awarded the APC N1 million in costs.
