The Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has upheld the re-election of Governor Douye Diri, dismissing a challenge by his opponent, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A three-man panel, led by Adekunle Adeleye, ruled on Monday that Sylva’s petition lacked merit. The tribunal found no credible evidence to support allegations of electoral fraud during the 11 November 2024 governorship election.
“Mr Sylva and the APC failed to lead any credible evidence to prove allegations of electoral fraud.” The judges dismissed statements from Sylva’s witnesses, noting inconsistencies and a lack of substantiation” the tribunal ruled
According to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the tribunal stated that election petitions must be filed within 21 days of the election results being declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It also noted the requirement for petitions to include written statements from all potential witnesses.
Sylva’s submission of additional proof and witness statements, according to the tribunal, came late and was is a “surreptitious attempt to amend the case of the petitioners.”
Addressing the forgery allegations against Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the tribunal ruled these claims as pre-election matters that should have been handled by the Federal High Court. The tribunal dismissed Sylva’s accusations regarding Ewhrudjakpo’s university degree and NYSC exemption certificate, citing a previous court decision that validated Ewhrudjakpo’s educational qualifications.
The judges pointed out contradictions in Sylva’s arguments, where he simultaneously urged the tribunal to declare him the election winner while also seeking to invalidate the election. They found Sylva and the APC failed to provide sufficient proof of electoral malpractices and their impact on the election outcome.
The tribunal concluded that Sylva and his party did not meet the burden of proof required by law. They failed to demonstrate, polling unit by polling unit, the specifics of the alleged non-compliance and its significant effect on the election results.
Governor Douye Diri, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, secured a second term with 175,196 votes, defeating Sylva, who garnered 110,108 votes. Sylva had resigned from his position as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under former President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the election as the APC candidate.