Bayelsa Electoral Commission suspends LG poll process over court case

The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission has suspended the electoral process for the conduct of the 2027 local government elections in the state.

The commission also announced the suspension of all party primaries for the forthcoming council elections pending the determination of a suit instituted by the Zenith Labour Party and Accord Party against the commission.

The suspension was contained in a public notice issued by BYSIEC on Saturday and signed by its Commissioner for Media and Publicity, Augustus Elliot, on behalf of the chairman.

The commission said the decision followed the legal action filed by the two political parties challenging aspects of the electoral process.

The notice stated that the electoral process leading to the 2027 local government elections had been temporarily suspended.

BYSIEC consequently directed political parties to halt their primary elections pending the outcome of the suit.

The commission said, “The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission hereby announces temporary suspension of the Electoral process leading to the conduct of the 2027 Local Government Elections.”

It added, “Consequently, all Party Primaries are hereby suspended, pending the outcome of a suit filed by the Zenith Labour Party and Accord Party against the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission.”

The electoral body urged political parties, other stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the development and comply with the directive.

“All Stakeholders and the general public are therefore advised to take note and treat accordingly,” the statement said.

The suspension comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 council elections across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.

The latest development is expected to temporarily halt ongoing preparations by political parties for the selection of their candidates for the local government elections until the legal issues are resolved.

The notice was signed by Elliot, “Commissioner, Media and Publicity, BYSIEC, for Chairman.”