Bayelsa Governorship Poll: APC heads to Appeal Court over disqualified deputy governorship candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is heading to the Appeal Court to challenge the disqualification of its deputy governorship candidate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, from Saturday’s Bayelsa governorship poll.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Tuesday, disqualified Mr Degi-Eremienyo, for submitting false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

But Amos Jothan, the state APC Chairman, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Yenagoa, described the court ruling as a miscarriage of justice.

“We are totally surprised that the court could in spite of objections by our lawyers, go ahead to determine a weighty criminal allegation of falsification and fraud solely on the basis of affidavit evidence, contrary to well-established judicial precedents that such must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt by calling oral evidence.

“We strongly believe that the judgment cannot withstand superior judicial scrutiny.
“Therefore, our lawyers have filed a notice of appeal and other court processes to arrest the execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

“We call on all our members and supporters not to be distracted but continue to peacefully mobilise for the November 16, election,” he said.

NAN reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had on September 18 approached the court seeking disqualification of the candidate over alleged falsification of information. (NAN)