The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates contesting for the November 11 gubernatorial race in Bayelsa State.
This is according to a circular released by the electoral body yesterday in Abuja.
Among those cleared by the electoral umpire are Diri Douye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Sylva Timpere of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eradiri Udengmobofa of the Labour Party (LP), and Azabi Ayabeke of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
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.
It would be recalled that the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election was amended on 16th October, 2023 pursuant to the Order of the Federal High Court in Suit No-FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 in respect of the nomination of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election.
However, the Court of Appeal in a judgement delivered on 31 October, 2023 in Appeal No- CA/ABJ/CV/1060/2023 set aside the judgement of the lower court cited above.
INEC, however, noted that by virtue of the provision of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Commission is bound to enforce the Orders of Court on the nomination of candidates by political parties in the State.
“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.
The INEC circular also included the candidates’ names, age, qualifications, and other details, as well as that of running mates.