By Milcah Tanimu

Governor Douye Diri has requested the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal filed by Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, challenging his victory in the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.

During Monday’s proceedings, Diri, represented by Chris Uche, SAN, argued that Sylva’s appeal lacked merit and was unsupported by any credible witness testimony or evidence. He contended that Sylva’s petition was fundamentally flawed and should be rejected outright.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Charles Edoshomwan, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), represented by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, both backed Diri’s position, asserting that Sylva’s appeal was without merit and should be dismissed.

Conversely, Sylva’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, urged the Supreme Court to overturn the decisions of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had previously dismissed his petition. Sylva is seeking the invalidation of Diri’s declaration as the winner by INEC and the recognition of himself as the rightful winner of the election.

Following the presentations, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, adjourned the case, with a judgment date to be announced later.