The Supreme Court on Thursday, 13th February 2020 nullified the election of Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon and his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo on the eve of their inauguration.
The Apex Court nullified the said election on grounds that the deputy governorship aspirant falsified information about his educational qualifications on INEC Form CF001 and as well as submitted a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
There were discrepancies with the names on the said Form CF001 and his educational qualifications. Although, affidavits of correction of names and regularization of names were filed by him, the court held that that was not enough as he ought to have followed the laid down legal procedures.
The Court ordered the withdrawal of the Certificate of Return issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission to the APC candidates as winners of the governorship election in the state on Saturday, 16th November 2019.
The Court further ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue fresh certificates to the party with the next highest votes and with the required constitutional spread of votes in the elections.
The judgment was delivered by a five-man panel led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili and the lead judgment was read by Justice Ejembi Ekwo
Author: Lex Community
