APC and Timipre Sylva Accuse Election Tribunal of Bias, Demand Disbandment
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate in the Bayelsa State election, Timipre Sylva, have leveled accusations of bias against the election petition tribunal in Abuja, intensifying the legal battle over the outcome of the governorship poll.
Both the APC and Sylva have called for the immediate disbandment of the tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, and the constitution of a new panel. The party and its candidate are contesting the reelection of Governor Duoye Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, following the declaration of Diri as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The petitioners allege that the tribunal's actions have violated their constitutional right to a fair hearing, particularly citing the tribunal's directive for them to present their 234 witnesses within a seven-day period. They claim that despite efforts to comply, the tribunal's pace only allowed for the examination of eight witnesses per day, leading to the premature closure of their case.
Furthermore, the APC and Sylva assert that the tribunal has prejudged the case by making findings and decisions regarding the authenticity of evidence before the conclusion of proceedings. They argue that such actions demonstrate a lack of impartiality and compromise the integrity of the tribunal.
In response to these allegations, the petitioners have urged the tribunal to indefinitely adjourn proceedings until a decision is reached by the Court of Appeal President regarding the allegations against the tribunal. In a brief ruling, Justice Adeleye acceded to this request, adjourning the matter indefinitely pending the outcome of the higher court's decision.
The escalating tensions between the petitioners and the tribunal underscore the high stakes involved in the legal contestation of electoral outcomes and the quest for justice in Nigeria's democratic process.
