The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued an amended list of candidates for the Bayelsa and Imo States governorship elections. Notably, the names of Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Bayelsa State election, have been omitted. INEC’s decision was in response to court orders related to the nomination of candidates.
The list, available on the commission’s website, was signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. In place of the APC candidate’s name and that of his running mate, a “court order” notation was provided. The commission also included Uchechukwu Ishiodu as the governorship candidate and Ahumbe Chiazor as the running mate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Imo State election.
Oriaran-Anthony explained that INEC’s actions were taken in compliance with court orders, which had been served on the commission. She noted that INEC initially published the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election on June 9, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the election schedule. Subsequently, the commission received a court order regarding the APC candidate’s nomination, leading to the amendment of the candidate list.
Similarly, for the 2023 Imo State Governorship Election, INEC published the final list of candidates on June 9, adhering to the Electoral Act and the schedule of activities. The commission was then served with an Order of Court, which compelled the inclusion of the PRP and its candidate in the list of candidates.
It’s worth mentioning that Timipre Sylva was disqualified from participating in the Bayelsa State governorship election by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 10. The court ruled that his candidacy would breach the constitution’s provisions, as he had previously served as governor for two terms totaling five years. Another Federal High Court, Owerri, also ordered INEC to include the PRP governorship candidate’s name in the list of nominated candidates already published on the INEC website.