Bayelsa Governor Disqualification Suit Dismissed; Plaintiff Fined N500,000

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit that sought to disqualify the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, over allegations of certificate forgery. Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling, stated that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence to support these allegations and, therefore, the suit lacked merit.

The plaintiff, Blessing Clement Azibanagbal, filed the suit alleging that Ewhrudjakpo had presented false information, with multiple names appearing on his certificates. The suit aimed to bar both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo from the November 11, 2023, Bayelsa governorship election and sought an injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from listing them as candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, Justice Nwite held that Ewhrudjakpo followed the correct procedure for name changes, providing a deed poll and publishing it in the official gazette, which meets the legal requirements. The court noted that the plaintiff’s allegations were speculative and intended to embarrass the defendants. Additionally, Justice Nwite stated that forgery allegations, being criminal in nature, require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which the plaintiff failed to establish.

The court awarded N500,000 in costs against the plaintiff in favor of the PDP, which was also a defendant in the case. Ultimately, the court’s decision supports the legitimacy of the Bayelsa governor and his deputy’s candidacies, dismissing the suit as lacking in merit. Following the judgment, Governor Diri was declared the winner of the November 11 election, securing the highest number of votes and defeating Timipre Sylva of the All Progressive Congress.