Bayelsa West Senatorial Bye-Election: Group Hails Cancellation Of APC Primary Polls

Wilson Macaulay 

The All Progressives Congress Democracy Vanguard (APCDV) has commended the judgment of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, which nullified the APC primary election for the Bayelsa West senatorial bye-election.

Justice Jane Inyang had on Tuesday delivered two rulings on two-related cases of alleged forgery and non-compliance with party guidelines which disqualified the APC senatorial candidate, Peremobowei Ebebi, from the race, and also declared the party's primary election null and void.

The cases were filed against Ebebi by Richman Samuel, a former director of Domestic Matters, Government House, Yenagoa and some registered members of the APC from Bayelsa West senatorial district.

Coordinator of the APCDV, Ayibadoubra Jacobs, in a statement on Monday, noted that the judgment was a great effort by the judiciary to sanitise the chaotic internal democratic process of political parties in the country.

Jacobs praised Justice Inyang for her bold decision on the conduct of the primary polls, describing it as a welcome development.

"The landmark judgment would lay the fresh foundation for adherence to democratic norms and the law in nominating candidates for election.

"The far-reaching decision of Hon. Justice J.E. Inyang of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, is a landmark development in the jurisprudence of pre-election matters, especially as it relates to the adherence of political actors to the constitution and guidelines of the party in the conduct of internal party affairs, and this decision deserves immense commendations and support,"he said.

The group equally commended her courage despite blackmails, intimidation and unfounded petitions, quoting from her judgement in the case filed by aggrieved APC members seeking the nullification of the APC senatorial bye-election primaries, where she held as follows:

"The time has come for the chieftains of political parties in this country to desist from their acts of lawlessness and impunity and abide by the constitution and guidelines of their political parties so that democratic norms and principles which will advance good governance, will thrive."

Jacobs said the time had come for judges, the superior and trial courts to stand and defend the oppressed members of political parties who had been victims of arbitrariness and impunity by godfathers, chieftains and political leaders.

The APCDV leader stated that political parties anywhere, including those in Nigeria, were public institutions and not personal property of political leaders. 

He condemned what he described as "the unconstitutional and unethical actions of party leaders and chieftains some of Wjo target judges for intimidation."

Jacobs further said, "We, hereby, urge the judiciary to remain firm and courageous in dealing with contentious issues in the politics of our dear country and be bold to insist on obedience of the constitution, the Electoral Act and guidelines of the political parties."