Appeal Court Takes Action To Resolve Issues With Governors And Disqualified DeputiesOn Tuesday, the Appeal Court proposed an amendment to the Electoral Act, allowing a governor to be sworn in even if their deputy has been disqualified by a court. The governor would then have the option to appoint a new running mate...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
This proposal comes in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on February 13, 2020, which invalidated the election of Bayelsa State Governor-elect David Lyon. Lyon was removed from office just one day before his inauguration because his deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, had submitted false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At a three-day retreat in Abuja focused on amending the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, the Court of Appeal emphasized the need to address these issues. The proposed amendment, introduced to the National Assembly by Justices Peter Olabisi Ige and Abba B. Mohammed, suggests changes to Section 187 (1) of the Electoral Act.
Under the proposed amendment, Section 187 (1) (A) would state that the removal of a deputy governor or deputy governorship candidate due to disqualification would not affect the governorship election. Section 187 (1) (B) would grant the governor or governor-elect the right to nominate a new deputy governor or deputy governorship candidate if needed.
