Bayelsa Governorship Candidate and Running-Mate Face Disqualification Over Conviction
Ahead of the Bayelsa State governorship election scheduled for November 11, Chief Timpre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his running-mate, Joshua Maciver, are facing potential disqualification over their convictions. The Trustfield Empowerment Initiative has filed a lawsuit against Sylva, Maciver, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, raising concerns about Maciver’s ongoing jail term for a criminal offense. The plaintiff argues that Sylva does not have a valid running-mate for the upcoming election.
In the lawsuit, the court is being asked to address several crucial questions raised by the plaintiff. These include whether Sylva has a valid candidate as his associate for running for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State, considering Maciver’s conviction and sentence of imprisonment. The plaintiff also questions the legality and constitutionality of INEC allowing Maciver to serve as Sylva’s deputy governorship candidate without a presidential pardon, as well as Maciver’s eligibility to be listed as Sylva’s associate for the election.
The plaintiff seeks multiple declarations from the court, including that Sylva lacks a valid candidate due to Maciver’s conviction, that Maciver’s recognition as the deputy governorship candidate is illegal and null, and that INEC’s acknowledgment of Maciver as Sylva’s associate is in violation of the constitution. Additionally, they request a perpetual injunction against INEC from recognizing Maciver as Sylva’s running mate for the Bayelsa State Governorship Election.
The outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications for the APC’s participation in the upcoming election. If the court rules in favor of disqualification, Sylva and Maciver may be barred from contesting, forcing the party to field alternative candidates. The election is crucial for the APC, as they are determined to secure victory in order to gain control of Bayelsa State.
As the legal battle unfolds, the political landscape in Bayelsa State remains uncertain. The disqualification of the APC’s candidates would undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the party’s chances in the upcoming election. With just a short time left until the election, it will be interesting to see how this case unfolds and the ultimate decision reached by the court.
