Duoye Diri.
The Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) had asked the tribunal to cancel the election because it was excluded from the exercise.
Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was sworn in as governor after the supreme court sacked David Lyon as governor-elect 24 hours before his inauguration.
But the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its argument said that the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate was 34 years old as at the time of nomination and therefore did not qualify to contest the election.
ANDP told Justice Yunusa Musa who is delivering the lead judgment that its initial Deputy Governorship Candidate, David Esinkuma was duly substituted by the Party within the allowed time frame, following the notification from INEC that he’s under-age.
The apex court based its rulings on the premise that Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo, running mate of the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), presented forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Musa in his response adds that only a court has the power to disqualify any candidate for any election and that the petition was filed within the 21 days which is the stipulated time for petitions to be filed.
Justice Musa describes the action of INEC to exclude the ANDP from the Bayelsa Governorship Election as illegal.
The lead judgment nullified the election of Governor Douye Diri.
INEC is also expected to include the ANDP in the Election. The Tribunal has ordered INEC to order a fresh election within 90 days.
However, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Muhammad Sirajo has dismissed the petition on technical grounds.
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