In Abuja, Nigeria, a five-man panel led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili has annulled the election of David Lyon as the governor of Bayelsa State.

This ruling came while he was preparing to be sworn in as governor the next day, the 14th of February 2020.

Gubernatorial elections were held in Bayelsa state on the 16th of November last year, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Lyon and his running mate winners, with a total of 352,552 votes, while Mr Douye Diri of People’s Democratic Party received 143,172 votes.

How did we get here?

On the 12th of November 2019, the Court of Appeal attempted to disqualify Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, Mr Lyon’s running mate, on the grounds that he provided forged certificates and false information to the electoral body.

However, that decision was set aside as the opposition could not prove their case against Mr. Degi-Eremienyo. Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, Mr Diri and his party filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

In its judgment on Thursday, the apex court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal and affirmed the decision which nullified Mr Degi-Eremienyo’s candidacy as well as that of the Governor-elect, Mr Lyon. This decision was confirmed on the 13th of February 2020.

Meet the New Governor Elect

60-year-old Douye Diri was the senator representing Bayelsa Central senatorial district of Bayelsa state in the 9th Assembly of the Nigerian Parliament. He was sworn in as governor on the 14th of February 2020, alongside his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Bottomline

The apex court, in the judgment delivered by Justice Ejembi Ek, has consequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Messrs Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Diri Duoye, is expected to be inaugurated as governor of Bayelsa State.