During the recent November gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, have issued a vote of no confidence in the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Allegations were made against the Tribunal, chaired by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, claiming bias against them in the conduct of proceedings. As a result, they have demanded the disbandment and reconstitution of the Tribunal.
In a formal petition addressed to the President of the Court of Appeal, the APC and Sylva accused the Tribunal of failing to provide them with a fair hearing, as mandated by law.
Among their grievances, the APC and its governorship candidate asserted that they had prepared a list of over 400 witnesses to support their petition but were only allowed to present 52 witnesses by the Tribunal.
They further alleged that upon reviewing the proceedings’ records they obtained, they discovered written comments and observations by the Tribunal that indicated a prejudiced stance in favor of the respondents.
In a communication submitted to the Tribunal by their legal representative, Mr. R. I.Balogun, the APC and Sylva requested an indefinite adjournment of the proceedings until a decision is made by the Court of Appeal President regarding their petition.
While the respondents’ legal team objected to the accusations against the Tribunal, they agreed to the requested adjournment.
Subsequently, Justice Adeleye issued a brief ruling to adjourn the matter indefinitely, awaiting the Court of Appeal President’s decision on the allegations of bias and denial of fair hearing raised by the petitioners.
The respondents in the APC and Sylva’s Petition concerning the election include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
More information will be provided later.