Bayelsa APC to supporters: Don’t despair over delisting of Sylva, we’re sure of victory

The Bayelsa gubernatorial campaign council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged its supporters not to be deterred by the removal of Timipre Sylva as its candidate for the November 11 poll.

On October 10, a federal high court in Abuja disqualified Sylva from contesting the Bayelsa governorship election.

The court held that Sylva, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as governor of the state, would breach the 1999 constitution if allowed to contest again.

Subsequently, the APC filed an appeal challenging the court’s decision and applied for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

On Tuesday, in compliance with the ruling of the court, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) removed Sylva’s name from the list of candidates contesting the Bayelsa governorship election.

Reacting in a statement on Wednesday by Perry Tukuwei, its director of media and publicity, the campaign council said the party is assured of victory at the court of appeal.

“The Bayelsa APC Gubernatorial Campaign hereby urges our dear people of Bayelsa not to be deterred with recent happenings in the polity as we match towards the victory post at the Nov. 11 Governorship Election,” the statement reads.

“We are clearly miles ahead with a well thought out Renewed Hope for Bayelsa agenda as well as resounding successes recorded in campaign activities across communities culminating in the decision by people of the state.

“To look the way of Chief Timipre Sylva and Joshua Maciver as the next Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.

“Our dear people of Bayelsa, do not fear. Do not be discouraged. We are on course with no distractions.

“Our lawyers are very well on top of the situation as we expect victory at the Court of Appeal. We will win.”