Ganduje told journalists that his party, APC, will appeal the Abuja High Court’s verdict
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Kano State governor and national chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje has described the disqualification of his party’s flag bearer, Timipre Sylva from the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State as a mere distraction.
TheNiche earlier reported that Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgement delivered on Monday, disqualified Sylva from participating in the November 11 Bayelsa governorship election.
According to the judge, the former Minister of State for Petroleum having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as governor of Bayelsa would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.
Reacting to the verdict at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, the APC chairman said the ruling cannot stand because the party member who brought the litigation before the court is not qualified to do so.
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He went on to assure that APC will appeal the judgement, adding that the party and its candidate stand a better chance of clinching victory in the upcoming election.
Speaking to journalists on the court’s verdict, Ganduje said: “It’s unfortunate that judgement came, but we can say that it is democracy in action. But we learned that the person who took the issue to the court of law is not even qualified, because he did not contest with Sylva. Therefore, he’s not even qualified to take the issue to the court.
“However, we are appealing. We’re waiting for the judgement and then we appeal for calm on that issue.
“Last two weeks I was in Bayelsa for two good days and I think they are ready and they’re still ready to win the election. Therefore, this is a little distraction anyway, but we will overcome it. We believe the Appeal Court will give us positive judgement but that will not stop us from making arrangements for the forthcoming election.”