The Chairman of the Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal, seated in Abuja, has taken the decision to indefinitely adjourn the petition presented by Timipre Sylva, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
This adjournment awaits the decision of the Court of Appeal President regarding allegations of bias and denial of a fair trial, as raised by Sylva and the APC.
Sylva and the APC have voiced strong objections against the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, calling for its immediate dissolution and reconstitution. They have formally lodged a complaint with the President of the Court of Appeal, accusing the Tribunal of infringing upon their constitutional right to a fair trial.
Among their numerous grievances, the APC and its gubernatorial candidate have contended that although they had prepared 234 witnesses, the Tribunal imposed a strict 7-day timeframe for presenting all witnesses. Additionally, they have claimed that while they had agreed to present 25 witnesses daily, the Tribunal restricted them to only 8 witnesses per day.
The petition further alleges that the Tribunal’s actions constitute a blatant disregard for the petitioners’ right to a fair trial, especially considering the Tribunal still has three months left to hear the case.
Moreover, the APC and Sylva have accused the Tribunal of displaying bias, citing instances where they believe the Tribunal had prejudged the case and distorted the testimonies of their witnesses. They are demanding the immediate dissolution of the Tribunal and the formation of a new, unbiased body to oversee the remaining three months of the petition.
During the latest proceedings, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, acknowledged a petition questioning the Tribunal members’ impartiality and integrity, which sought an indefinite adjournment of the case. He invited reactions from the lawyers representing various parties.
The Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argued that the allegations of bias and distortion leveled by the APC and Sylva were unfounded and unfair to the Tribunal. After brief exchanges, it was agreed that the requested adjournment by the APC and Sylva be granted.
This development underscores the contentious nature of the Bayelsa gubernatorial election and the significant legal battles that lie ahead.
