Preparations for the 2027 local government elections in Bayelsa State have been temporarily halted following a legal challenge against the state electoral commission.
The Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission announced the suspension of the election timetable as well as political party primaries for the council polls.
The commission’s decision followed a suit filed by the Zenith Labour Party and Accord Party, challenging parts of the electoral process.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by BYSIEC Commissioner for Media and Publicity, Augustus Elliot, on behalf of the commission’s chairman.
The electoral body 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.”
As a result, political parties have been directed to suspend their planned primaries until the court delivers its decision on the case.
The commission further stated, “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.”
BYSIEC called on political parties, election stakeholders and residents to take note of the development and act in line with the directive.
The commission added, “All Stakeholders and the general public are therefore advised to take note and treat accordingly.”
The development is coming as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the council elections scheduled to take place across the state’s eight local government areas.
With the suspension, ongoing efforts by parties to conduct primaries and pick candidates for the polls are expected to remain on hold until the legal dispute is determined.