In an unexpected turn of events, Chief Timipre Sylva has accepted the cancellation of the September 22 Bayelsa gubernatorial primary of the All Progressives Congress.
The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had on September 23 announced the cancellation of the primary that produced Sylva as the candidate of the party for the December 5 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa, citing violence and breach of security at the Samson Siasia stadium venue of the exercise.
The National Working Committee of the party also decided to organise another primary in the state.
Sylva had promptly rejected the party’s decision, affirming himself duly elected and threatening to go to court to plead his case.
But in a statement by the Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation, the ex-governor has decided to tow the party’s line by accepting to participate in the rescheduled election.
In the statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, the chairman of the organisation, announced the decision and appealed to supporters to be calm because “Ultimately, our victory is sure.”
Furthermore, Buokoribo said: “But as loyal and faithful party folks we have the serenity to accept the decision in the larger interest of our great party.
“We urge our teeming supporters to remain peaceful and unruffled, rest assured that all is well.
“Ultimately, our victory is sure. Our hope cannot be annulled. Our mission to rescue Bayelsa State from the grip of maladministration and underdevelopment is a task that must be accomplished.
“We should come out more massively than ever before this Wednesday, 30 September, to repeat the overwhelming endorsement you gave Sylva on 22 September.”
The rescheduled primary election is slated for Wednesday September 30.