APC, Sylva Seek Disbandment of Bayelsa Tribunal Panel Amid Allegations of Bias

The Chairman of the Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal Sitting in Abuja has decided to adjourn the petition brought by the All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate, Timipre Sylva, indefinitely.

The decision came after allegations of bias and denial of fair hearing were raised by Sylva and the APC.

The petition, submitted to the President of the Court of Appeal, claims that the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Tribunal has denied Sylva and the APC their constitutional right to fair hearing as required by law.

The petition also mentioned that they had lined up 234 witnesses to testify but were ordered to call them within seven days only.

Furthermore, the petition alleges that the Tribunal distorted oral testimonies of their witnesses in the record of proceedings and made decisions in respect of the authenticity and weight of polling unit election results.

In response to the allegations, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, informed lawyers of various parties about a petition questioning the members’ neutrality and integrity and seeking indefinite adjournment in the hearing of the case.

Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argued that both APC and Sylva were not fair to the Tribunal in their allegations of bias and distortion of facts.

The case revolves around the re-election of Governor Duoye Diri of the PDP, which Sylva and the APC are challenging.

The decision to adjourn the proceedings indefinitely has raised concerns about political instability in the region, as the fate of the Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal remains uncertain.

The decision to disband the Tribunal panel could have significant implications for the future of the case and the political landscape of the region.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the governance and stability of the area.