The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Chief Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, is ineligible to contest in the November 11 election in Bayelsa State.

The court, presided by Justice Donatus Okorowo, said on Monday that Sylva had violated the 1999 constitution as amended, which limits individuals to two terms as governor.

The court noted that Sylva had been elected twice as governor and had ruled for five years, and that allowing him to run again would exceed the constitutional limit.

The court relied on the Supreme Court’s judgment in Marwa vs. Nyako, which affirmed that the constitution’s framers intended to prevent anyone from occupying the governor’s office more than two times.

The court also said that Sylva’s participation in the next election would create a situation where individuals could contest repeatedly, contrary to the constitution.

This ruling has thrown the APC into disarray, as the party will have to find a new candidate for the Bayelsa gubernatorial race.