Bayelsa Poll: INEC removes APC’s Sylva’s From Candidates’ List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed Timipre Sylva, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from the final list of candidates for the upcoming November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The updated list, published on INEC’s website on Tuesday and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, left the column for the APC candidate and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, blank, citing “court order.”

Rose Oriaran-Anthony explained that INEC’s action was a response to court orders received regarding the candidate lists. INEC initially published the final list of candidates on June 9 for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election, as required by the Electoral Act of 2022 and the election timetable.

However, they were subsequently served with a court order related to the APC’s candidate nomination.

She stated, “The Amended list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election is hereby updated in accordance with the court orders served on the commission.”

On October 10, the Federal High Court in Abuja disqualified Timipre Sylva from participating in the state governorship election, citing his prior service as governor.

The APC in Bayelsa State has expressed its intention to appeal this court decision, claiming it breaches the Electoral Act.