A group of APC members in Bayelsa State are calling for the disqualification of Chief Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, from participating in the upcoming gubernatorial primaries of the party.
The group, made up of over 40 card-carrying members from different wards in Ekeremor, Ogbia, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma, and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, claim that Sylva should be disqualified for not resigning his ministerial position, which they believe is a violation of the party’s constitution.
The petition, which was signed by several members, including Doubra Kpoku, Nelson Gbeinbo, and Charles Fyneman, was addressed to the national chairman, national secretary, legal adviser, and national organizing secretary of the party. The petitioners argue that Sylva’s failure to resign his ministerial position as at the time of his screening is against the extant provisions of Article 31 paragraph (iii) APC Constitution, as amended. They also point out that Sylva has previously been sworn in twice as Governor of Bayelsa State, which could create controversy and jeopardize the party’s chances at the polls in November 2023.
The group is urging the screening panel set up by the party to disqualify Sylva from participating in the primaries and warned that they would approach the court for redress if their petition is not considered. They believe that disqualifying Sylva is necessary to avoid the party being ridiculed in the upcoming governorship elections.
It remains to be seen if the national leadership of the APC will heed the petitioners’ call and disqualify Sylva from the governorship primaries.