Indications have emerged that the All Progressives Congress may be backing a consensus candidate in Timi Alaibe and encouraging other aspirants on the party platform in the upcoming gubernatorial election to step down for him.
This may put paid to the ambition of ex-governor Timipre Silva, who is hoping to get the party’s backing for the December 5 election in the state.
This became apparent on Monday after a close-door meeting between the leadership of the APC and aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the election.
Observers say that the party’s alleged reluctance to back Silva’s candidacy may not be unconnected with his investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged misappropriation of funds when he was governor.
Furthermore, it is also widely believed by APC stalwarts in Bayelsa that the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Alaibe, has more grassroots support than Silva and sitting governor, PDP’s Seriake Dickson, hence the party’s alleged decision to back Alaibe.
This latest meeting was said to have had in attendance the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun; Deputy National Chairman (South), Olusegun Oni; National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, among other executives at the national party level.