Eradiri, who has rejected the election results, maintains that he was the only eligible candidate who received the valid votes cast and should therefore be declared the duly elected governor of the state.
During a meeting with stakeholders, ward and local government officials of the party at his campaign office in Yenagoa, the state capital, Eradiri stated that he chose to pursue a legal course of action after thoroughly evaluating the election outcome.
He said, “After the election we said we were going to look at the issues, and I am here to officially inform the leadership of the party that we have gone to court, and we pray the court to declare me winner.
He explained that his decision to approach the tribunal was based on the fact that the two leading opposition parties, the PDP and the APC, fielded candidates who were not eligible to contest the elections. He argued that since he won the valid votes cast in the election, he should be declared the governor of Bayelsa State.
Eradiri pointed out that there are issues regarding the eligibility of the two candidates, which is the basis for his appeal to the tribunal. Despite many people losing faith in the judiciary, he stated that the small thread of hope they hold onto is the foundation for his challenge to the declaration.
He said, “After studying the entire process, I have decided to ask the tribunal to declare me governor.
He further noted that with the spread of his 950 votes, it can be seen that he met the constitutional requirements in seven out of the eight local governments. Therefore, if the votes for the PDP and APC are invalidated, he should be declared the winner.
Eradiri stated that he decided to approach the tribunal in the interest of the "suffering people" of Bayelsa, and pledged to continue to raise issues affecting the people.