The Balyesa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has nullified the election of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
In a majority judgment delivered by Justice Yunusa Musa in the petition brought before it by the Advance National Democratic Party (ANDP), the tribunal held that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unlawfully excluded the party from the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state.
The tribunal also said INEC lacks the power to disqualify any candidates validly nominated by their parties.
It, therefore, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh governorship election in Bayelsa State within 90 days and the petitioner should be included in the fresh election to be conducted.
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The petitioner Advance Nigeria Democratic Party, ANDP had approached the tribunal to challenge the removal of its logo from the 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship election during the Governorship election in the state.
This is the fourth judgement to be delivered in the 5 petitions filed before the tribunal; three of which have been in favour of Governor Douye Diri.
Editor:(Omor Bazuaye)
