Conflicting Election Results Tendered at Bayelsa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented conflicting election results on the November 11, 2023, Governorship election in Bayelsa State at the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

INEC submitted its certified results, while APC polling unit agents presented various results from the areas they represented the party.

Despite objections from different parties, the tribunal chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, admitted both sets of results as exhibits for the tribunal’s consideration.

Former Minister of Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, and the APC filed a petition against INEC, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, his Deputy Lawrence Ewhirujakpo, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

They are challenging the election results in three different local government areas where INEC claimed it did not conduct elections due to alleged diversion of election materials and disruptions of the process.

During the hearing, an APC polling unit agent, Odungele Moses, testified that the election took place in his polling unit and tendered a result allegedly issued by the INEC presiding officer.

However, during cross-examination, Moses admitted that only APC signed the result, despite 16 political parties participating in the election.

Another witness, Mallory Afin, also presented APC results with the same serial number and number of accredited voters as INEC but with different vote counts for various political parties.

Cross-examination revealed that the results were prepared and signed by the same presiding officer for different wards.

Justice Adeleye adjourned the matter for further hearing till February 15.