Tribunal sacks Diri as Bayelsa Gov, orders fresh election within 90 days; Diri vows to appeal verdict, urges supporters to stay calm
Owing to the exclusion of the Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) and its candidate, King George, from the November 16 Bayelsa State Governorship Election, the State Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday, nullified the election of Governor Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The election was nullified based on a petition by the party, which argued that it was unlawfully excluded from participating in the election.
The panel held that the election was unlawful due to the exclusion of ADP and its candidate.
The tribunal, however, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election within 90 days.
Meanwhile, Diri has said he would appeal the ruling and has consequently instructed his lawyers to file the necessary papers.
Diri, who spoke shortly after the tribunal ruled that INEC wrongly excluded ANDP governorship candidate, said he has implicit confidence in the judiciary that he would triumph in the end.
A statement by his Acting Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, reads:
“We trust in the judiciary and we are appealing the judgement. With God on our side, we will get justice.
“This is a court of first instance and I have instructed our lawyers to file an appeal. We have a right of appeal even up to the Supreme Court.”
The governor urged PDP members and his supporters not to panic and to continue to remain calm and law-abiding.
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