Bayelsa: APC Unfazed by Court Verdict Says Ganduje

Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that the party is unwavering notwithstanding a recent court decision on the Bayelsa State governorship election.

Recall that Timipre Sylva, the Bayelsa APC candidate in the November 11 governorship election, was disqualified by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a ruling issued on Monday.

Justice Okorowo determined that Sylva would violate the 1999 constitution as amended if she were permitted to run for office again after being twice sworn in and serving as the governor of Bayelsa for five years.

Speaking yesterday to State House reporters, Ganduje reassured party members and supporters that the judgment’s setback would not stop the APC from making preparations for the 2019 Bayelsa elections.

Ganduje said “Last two weeks I was in Bayelsa for two good days, and I think they were ready and they’re still ready to win the election.

“Therefore, this is a little distraction anyway, but we will overcome it. We believe the appeal court will give us positive judgment but that will not stop us from making arrangements for the forthcoming election which is coming up on 11th November 2023.”

The APC chairman also urged restraint among party members, pointing out that the person who filed the lawsuit in court could not have been eligible to do so because they did not run against Sylva, the APC’s candidate, in the initial election.