In the ongoing off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa and gubernatorial candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP), has accused Timipre Sylva, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of instigating violence during the electoral process.
Following his own voting experience in his Local Government, Governor Diri expressed satisfaction with the election’s organization at his polling unit, commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improvements since the last election.
However, he raised concerns that PDP agents and observers were being prevented from accessing Nembe Local Government Area (LGA).
In response, the PDP has officially written to the INEC chairman, urging drastic measures to ensure unhindered access for their representatives to monitor the voting process.
Diri emphasized the party’s call for a free and fair electoral process, advocating for the use of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation in Nembe, similar to his experience in his own voting.
Accusing Timipre Sylva of a history of winning elections through violence, Diri referenced a letter from elder Edwin Clark, the leader of the Ijaw nation, expressing concern about Sylva’s forceful and violent electoral methods.
Diri stressed that the people of Bayelsa deserve a governor who does not resort to violence and highlighted instances where Sylva’s deputy in Brass Local Government allegedly threatened PDP members, further asserting that such a violent approach is not in line with the desires of the Bayelsa people.