JAMES GAMBO ABUNDAGA, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the rulings of the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, holden at Abuja delivered on 27/5/2024 (see pages 9491-9518 vol. 13 of the record of appeal). Not satisfied with the rulings, the appellants filed a notice of appeal to this court on 4/6/2024 (see pages 9665-9678 vol. 13 of the record of appeal). The record of appeal was transmitted to this court on 13/6/2024.
Synopsis of this Appeal
The 1st Respondent organized and conducted election for the Governorship of Bayelsa State on 11/11/2023. In the election, the 4th Respondent sponsored the 2nd and 3rd Respondents. The 1st Appellant was sponsored by the 2nd Respondent. 14 other candidates were sponsored by their respective political parties. At the conclusion of the election, the 2nd Respondent was declared and returned elected having scored 175,196 votes, beating his closet rival, the 1st appellant who scored 110,108 votes. Not sati…