Appeal Court Overturns Removal of APC's Sylva
The Appeal Court has reversed the decision to remove APC's Timipre Sylva, reaffirming his candidacy for the Bayelsa governorship election. This significant turn of events highlights the importance of jurisdiction in election matters.
Significant Reversal: Timipre Sylva's APC Candidacy Restored by Appeal Court.
Court of Appeal Reinstates Timipre Sylva as APC Candidate for Bayelsa Governorship Election
In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has reversed the nullification of Chief Timipre Sylva's candidacy for the upcoming November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appellate court deemed Justice Donatus Okorowo's ruling at the Federal High Court, Abuja as incorrect, asserting that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to initiate the suit, having not been part of the primary election that selected Sylva as the APC flag bearer.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of jurisdiction in election matters, the Appeal Court declared all actions taken in the matter null and void due to the lower court's initial lack of jurisdiction.
Furthermore, the court highlighted that a judgment delivered without jurisdiction, no matter its merit, is ultimately futile. Consequently, the decision nullifying Sylva's participation in the governorship election was voided.
This verdict necessitates that INEC reinstates Sylva as the APC candidate for the Bayelsa governorship election. Additionally, Justice Binta Zubairu, who delivered the lead judgment, imposed a cost of N1 million in favor of Sylva.
