[2][5] Due to alleged irregularities, Sylva rejected the results and filed a challenge at the electoral tribunal.

[6] The legal case eventually reached the Supreme Court, which upheld the election of Diri in a August 2024 judgment.

Ensuing senate by-elections in 2020 were then easily won by the PDP, cementing the state's potentially erratic voting record.

During its term, the Diri administration's stated focuses included economic diversification, agricultural development, and the completion of the Bayelsa International Airport.

Both primary forms—the expression of interest and nomination forms—were sold from 16 to 31 January 2023, aside from Kogi State where the deadline was later extended to 13 February.

[17] On 25 October 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable, setting out key dates and deadlines for the election.