Bayelsa Governorship Election: “Timipre Sylva Has Been Violent in Every Election”, Says Diri
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Bayelsa state, Yenagoa - The incumbent governor of Bayelsa state, Douye Diri, has slammed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll in the state, Timipre Sylva, with a strong allegation.
Source: Facebook
Diri maintained that the former governor of Bayelsa state, Sylva, was behind the electoral violence recorded so far in the Nembe-Bassambiri area of the state.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the poll is seeking re-election for another four years in office. He spoke on Saturday after he cast his vote, Channels TV reported.
BusinessDay reported also that the governor commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the improvement in its handling of the governorship election in the state, noting it had improved.
Diri, however, hinted that he had reported electoral issues to the chairman of INEC and expected him to take the matters up without delay.
The governor alleged that:
“Timipre Sylva has been violent in every election”.
“We have been raising the issue of the violent character and person of Timipre Sylva. Over the years, in every election he is involved in, you experience violence, you experience lawlessness, and even in Nembe-Bassambiri, the name and the character behind what is happening in Nembe-Bassambiri is Timipre Sylva,” Diri added.
Meanwhile, Sylva is in the race to win the state again and rule in the next four years. He is contending with Diri and Udengs Eradiri of the Labour Party.
Vote buying allegation rocks Bayelsa poll
Legit.ng reported earlier that the Bayelsa governorship election had been marred with vote-buying allegations in some quarters of the state.
Some voters revealed the amount the ruling PDP and leading opposition, APC, allegedly paid them.
Voters in the PU 07, Ward 10, Agudama-Ekpetiama community in Yenagoa LGA were heard speaking about the vote-buying allegation.
Why Nigeria must stop off-cycle elections
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported earlier that Goodluck Jonathan has called for the dissolution of the off-season elections.
The former Nigerian leader urged the National Assembly to work towards stopping the off-season elections because it does not conform to global practices.
PAY ATTENTION: Unlock the best of Legit.ng on Pinterest! Subscribe now and get your daily inspiration!
Source: Legit.ng
