Sylva Banking on Alliances as He Suffers Major Setback

Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State is in the eye of the storm. He continues to contend with the incumbent governor, Douye Diri, for the number one job in the state. But Sylva is no longer running with steam as he did at the start due to the recent ruling by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The court disqualified him on the grounds that he had been sworn in as Bayelsa governor two different times. This implied two-term tenure is on record, although Sylva ruled for five years and not eight.

But neither Sylva nor the APC is willing to let things slide so easily. With the gubernatorial election slated for November 11, not going to the Appeal Court to contest Sylva’s disqualification would be making things easy for Diri, his primary opponent.

While preparations are ongoing, Sylva has decided to pitch his tent with local kingmakers in Bayelsa. He has reportedly secured the approval and endorsement of Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas, accounting for two out of the eight LGAs in Bayelsa state.

At present, Sylva is believed to be banking on a double-plan blueprint to seize Bayelsa from Diri. APC will take up the judicial matter, tabling their complaints at the Appeal Court. Simultaneously, Sylva would woo as many local chiefs in the state as possible.

Even though the 2023 gubernatorial elections are being held in three states, including Edo and Kogi, Bayelsa’s case is looking progressively intriguing. If Sylva’s efforts to revert his disqualification from the race fall through, that would mark the end for him and APC in Bayelsa for the next four years.

Although Sylva has suffered a major setback at the judiciary, his alliances might help return him to the game.