#BayelsaDecides2023: APC Candidate Sylva Accuses Nigerian Military of Compromise, Ballot Box Snatching

In the ongoing Bayelsa governorship election, Mr. Timipre Sylva, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has levied serious accusations against both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigerian military. Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot at Polling Unit 4, Dukuraku Central Open Space, Okpoama, Ward 4, Brass Local Government Area, Sylva claimed that the electoral contest seemed to be between the APC and security agents, particularly the military, whom he accused of favoritism and biased involvement.

Expressing confidence in the APC’s prospects, Sylva highlighted issues in Units 3, 5, and 9 where registers were not uploaded, attributing this to what he deemed a “careless mistake” on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He further pointed out alleged instances of violence and voter intimidation, stating that the PDP was allegedly attempting to intimidate APC supporters with the aid of security forces. Sylva’s claims portrayed the election not merely as a contest against the PDP but as a battle against security forces.

Citing distressing incidents, Sylva referred to reports of an APC member being shot in Yenagoa in the morning and later highlighted the alleged involvement of military personnel in seizing ballot boxes, specifically mentioning the presence of the military in the Biseni community for this purpose.

These allegations, made by the APC candidate, point to a highly charged and contentious electoral environment, with claims of interference and malpractice that could significantly impact the credibility and fairness of the ongoing governorship poll in Bayelsa. The Nigerian military’s alleged involvement in these activities stands as a concerning issue in the unfolding political landscape.