Ex-Minister Sylva Testifies Against Diri’s Victory in Bayelsa Election

Immediate past Minister of Petroleum, Timipire Sylva, is scheduled to appear today, Tuesday, in Abuja before the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

He will testify against the declaration of Governor Douye Diri as the winner of the November 11, 2023, governorship election in Bayelsa State

Sylva, who contested as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, will serve as a key witness in his petition aimed at nullifying Diri’s declaration as the elected governor.

A hearing notice revealed that the APC governorship candidate would be led in evidence by his lead counsel, Ahmed Raji and Ogwu James Onoja, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

The former Minister, who also served as the former governor of Bayelsa State, is expected to present his perspective on the last gubernatorial election to the Tribunal.

Following Sylva’s testimony, Diri, the victorious candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will have the opportunity to cross-examine him regarding the accuracy of the claims and allegations made by the witness

Governor Diri is being represented at the Tribunal by a team of senior lawyers led by Chris Uche, SAN.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which conducted the disputed election, will be allowed to cross-examine the APC governorship candidate regarding his allegations against the election.

According to the Returning Officer, Professor Faruq Kuta, the PDP and Diri garnered 175,196 votes, defeating their closest rival, Timipre Sylva of APC, who scored 110,108 votes.

Dissatisfied, Sylva and APC approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration of Diri as the winner of the election

Kanyi Daily recalls that the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, engaged in a verbal clash on Monday, concerning an alleged plot by Governor Douye Diri to frame Chief Timipre Sylva with corrupt charges using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.