Bayelsa group: INEC should respect court’s decision on Sylva’s disqualification

A group known as the Bayelsa Democratic Coalition says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must respect the court’s decision on the disqualification of Timipre Sylva.

Sylva is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Bayelsa governorship election scheduled for November 11.

Last week, a federal high court in Abuja disqualified Sylva from participating in the election.

Sylva has since filed an appeal against the verdict.

In a statement on Monday, Orama David, the coalition’s coordinator, said the disqualification of the APC candidate is in line with the constitution.

“The federal high court’s verdict has reaffirmed our faith in the judicial system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law,” David said.

“We believe that this ruling is a significant milestone, not only in the journey towards a better, more accountable, and violence-free democratic process in Bayelsa state, but removes the specter of hijacking the will of the people.

“Our group recognises the importance of free and fair elections as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

“The disqualification of Mr. Timi Sylva from the governorship race, in line with constitutional imperatives, represents a victory for electoral integrity and sends a clear message that the democratic process in Nigeria is built on principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law.

“We call on all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and the electorate, to uphold the spirit of peaceful and violence-free elections.

“We urge every Bayelsa citizen to contribute positively to the electoral process, ensuring that our state’s future leadership is determined through issue based campaigns and ballots, not intimidation and bullets.”

The coordinator said his group supports a free and fair election in the state.