National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has faulted the Supreme Court judgement declaring the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Douye Diri, as new Governor-elect in Bayelsa State.
Oshiomhole said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday while reacting to the apex court judgement.
He said the court would have borrowed a similar case that nullified governorship election in Bauchi State.
“In 1999, there was a similar case in Bauchi involving Governor Adamu Muazu.
“The court found out that the running mate was not qualified for whatever reason to contest that election and accordingly the Supreme Court nullified the election of Governor Muazu.
“And the court as a consequence, directed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election.
“I believe it is still the same Supreme Court and, therefore, we have asked our lawyers to exploit all lawful legal windows to ensure that Bayelsa people have a governor of their choice.
“Let me also say that it is not a state secret.
“If the Supreme Court has ruled that David Lyon cannot now be sworn in as the person who has the highest number of votes and the spread to be sworn in, it simply means from tomorrow, there will be no government in Bayelsa state.
“From the facts available to us and in due consultation with our lawyers, it is clear that no candidate meets the requirements of the Supreme Court which means no one can be sworn in legally tomorrow, unless there is deliberate attempt to abuse the legal process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has called on all political parties to be calm and embrace peace over the ruling of the Supreme Court on Bayelsa governorship poll.
The Court had nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory at November 16 governorship election that brought in David Lyon.
The Supreme Court had ruled that Lyon’s Deputy Degi Ereminyo submitted forged certificates which disqualified the joint ticket and nomination.
The court urged INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to them and reissue same to the next party with the required constitutional spread.
The outgoing governor, Dickson, said while speaking at a media chat in Yenagoa on Thursday that having peace and stability would move the state forward.
“I commend the Supreme Court judgement. I call for calm among parties. Let us have peace and stability. Everyone should take it in good faith.
“We should not do anything to cause breakdown of law. We must continue to run an inclusive system.
“The ruling court today has brought victory to all of us and we give all credit to God. I hail the Supreme Court as an instrument to deliver the judgement.
“I, therefore, call for reconciliation among us as well as other parties in the state.
“As I will be stepping down on Friday, February 14, I am grateful to God and to the people of Bayelsa.
“I know all of you supported me despite difficulties but I believe we have achieved tremendously in the past eight years.
“I urge you to continue your support for me and our dear state,” the outgoing governor stated.
