APC stakeholders criticize Timipre Sylva for appointing himself campaign director for Bayelsa gubernatorial election

In the lead-up to the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election scheduled for November 11, various stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have raised concerns over the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, appointing himself as the Director General of the Campaign Council.

Expressing their dissatisfaction with the constitution and inauguration of the campaign council, these party stakeholders, operating under the banner of the Bayelsa APC Integrity Group, argue that Chief Sylva’s self-appointment underscores their earlier accusation that he has been running the party as a one-man show.

They harken back to a time when the APC held a significant presence and public favor in Bayelsa State, only to observe that, in the weeks leading up to the impending election, that support and goodwill seem to have dissipated.

The group issued a statement that highlighted their concerns, stating, “The party not only appears to be going into battle with its flanks wide open, but it is deep in tatters and also showing signs that it requires oxygen.”

Prominent and influential members of the party within the state, often referred to as the “first and best 11,” have distanced themselves from Chief Sylva. Additionally, several other party stalwarts who initially had no intention of dissenting have openly aligned with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sen. Douye Diri.

Their discontent is primarily rooted in Chief Sylva’s perceived authoritarian behavior and his apparent treatment of the APC in the state as his personal fiefdom.

Chief Sylva’s gubernatorial aspirations, to many, give the impression of an inherited birthright. One notable point of concern is the fact that Chief Sylva holds the dual roles of Gubernatorial Candidate and Chairman of his campaign. His cousin, Chief Dennis Otiotio, who serves as the state Chairman of the Party, occupies the role of Alternate-Chairman, while the running mate, Joshua Macaiver, assumes the co-chairman position. Furthermore, the majority of the campaign council’s members are affiliated with Chief Sylva’s inner circle.