The final list of candidates running for Bayelsa State's governorship on November 11 has been made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This is in line with a circular that the electoral body in Abuja released yesterday.
The Peoples Democratic Party's Diri Douye, the All Progressives Congress' Sylva Timpere, the Labour Party's Eradiri Udengmobofa, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party's Azabi Ayabeke are among those announced cleared by the electoral umpire.
The circular titled: “Amendment No 2: Amended List of Candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election Pursuant to Court Orders” shows that 16 political parties were cleared to contest the November 11 governorship polls.Recall that on October 16, 2023, the Federal High Court's order in Suit No-FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 regarding the nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election caused the final list of candidates for that election to be altered.
Nonetheless, the Court of Appeal overturned the previously mentioned lower court's decision in a decision made on October 31, 2023, in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/1060/2023.
However, INEC pointed out that the Commission is required to uphold the court's orders regarding the nomination of candidates by political parties in the State under Section 287 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.
“The list of candidates in respect of the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship election is hereby amended in Amendment No 2 pursuant to the judgement of the Court of Appeal,” NEC stated.
Along with the running mates' information, the INEC circular also contained the candidates' names, ages, qualifications, and other details.
