The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Timipre Sylva, have officially concluded their petition challenging the victory of Governor Douye Diri in the November 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election. The closure came after the APC and Sylva presented 52 witnesses during the proceedings to substantiate their claims against the conduct and results declaration of the November 11 election.
Timipre Sylva, who was physically present during the proceedings on Tuesday, played a pivotal role in calling witnesses to testify in support of their allegations. Among the witnesses was Akeem Alausa, a former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State. During his testimony, Alausa presented several exhibits to bolster the petitioners' case. However, during cross-examination, he acknowledged that his role during the election was viewed as controversial, leading to protests both in favor of and against his continued stay as the police commissioner in the state.
Alausa clarified that he did not work for Sylva and submitted a list of policemen stationed at polling units on election day. While admitting that 16 political parties participated in the governorship election, he stated that he only made a witness statement on oath for the APC, and his evidence focused on Nembe, Ogbia, and Southern-Ijaw local government areas, where the election results are being contested.
The Tribunal's Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, subsequently adjourned the case to March 4, 2024, to allow the defendants to commence their defense. The conclusion of the petition marks a crucial stage in the legal process, paving the way for the opposing side to present their arguments and evidence in response to the claims made by the APC and Timipre Sylva.