Timipre Sylva Back in Bayelsa Governorship Race as Appeal Court Quashes Nullification

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the nullification of Chief Timipre Sylva’s candidacy for the Bayelsa governorship election, scheduled for November 11.

Sylva, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had his nomination nullified by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, following a suit by a plaintiff who claimed to have been excluded from the APC primary election.

However, the appellate court ruled on Tuesday that the lower court had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to challenge Sylva’s candidacy.

The appellate court also held that the issue of jurisdiction was fundamental in an election matter, and that any judgment delivered without jurisdiction was null and void, no matter how sound it may be.

The court therefore set aside the judgment of Justice Okorowo, and restored Sylva’s candidacy for the governorship election.

The court also awarded N1 million as cost in favour of Sylva, and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relist him as a candidate of the APC for the Bayelsa governorship election.

The lead judgment was delivered by Justice Binta Zubairu.

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