Bayelsa 2023 Guber: Discordant tunes in APC over defeat ahead of polls -By Tife Owolabi

There are discordant tunes within the fold of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State over fear of a possible defeat in the November 11 Governorship election in the State.

While a few of the party faithfuls quoted Chief Timipre Sylva, as reportedly expressing uncertainty over the difficultly for his party to snatch the victory off the incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) other loyalists and leaders of the party were quoted at citing issues of subsisting disunity in the fold of the party as a stumbling block.

They also cite lack of serious consultation between the party candidate, Timipre Sylva and other prominent leaders and the over dependence on new found romance with politicians in Rivers State to secure victory for the party in Bayelsa as a challenge to any victory.

A close aide to Sylva,who who pleaded anonimity, was quoted during close analysis with other party chieftains expressing the fears and chances of the two leading candidates in the forthcoming election.

Sylva, whose emergence as flagbearer of APC  defied the existing zoning arrangement in the State by outsmarting all other qualified aspirants, is believed to be aware of his slim chance to win this particular election.

The source reportedly quoted him as lamenting that APC had lost too many members to the PDP in the past three years and that the fears of many members still leaving to support the incumbent governor are high because of Diri’s positive style of governance.

Sylva reportedly said:”I agree with many that Douye Diri has done very well in infrastructure and the way he has brought everyone together in the State. I have some ideas too on how to get our state working. My interaction with many people indicate Bayelsans like him for engendering a peaceful environment for all. We are living in peace together irrespective of party affiliations. That’s awesome. Anyway, I just want to try my best. “

“This election also look like I am betraying Diri. He has not done anything bad to me rather he has shown to me that he is a friend and brother. He restored all my benefits as a former governor and we shared great ideas together on the future of our dear State.

“I personally feel he could have done better given the circumstances, I might be wrong. Truly, this election will be difficult for me and that’s why I am reaching out to people outside who can even help me”, he told an ally in Abuja.

He continued: “All the very senior politicians in Bayelsa appear to be supporting him. I hear that former President, Goodluck Jonathan may be backing him. His brother Timi Alaibe, is now always around him. My friend Dickson now Senator will not do otherwise. I am so worried and disturbed but we will run our campaigns like a candidate ready to win election.”

“I know I cannot win this election the way the State is positioned today. Diri has done fairly well”, Sylva reportedly said.