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Bayelsa: APC Members Seek Sylva’s Disqualification From Governorship Race

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A group of individuals affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have urged the party’s National Executive Committee to bar Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, from taking part in the upcoming primary election for the state’s gubernatorial race on April 14, 2023.

The Card-carrying members of the APC have submitted a petition to the party’s national leadership, citing Timipre Sylva’s failure to resign from his current position in order to pursue his gubernatorial ambition as their reason for requesting his disqualification.

Stakeholders of the APC from more than 40 wards across Sagbama, Ekeremor, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, and Southern Ijaw local government areas have contended in their petition that the Minister had not resigned from his position as of the date he underwent screening by the party panel.

The petition, which bears the title “Request for Disqualification of Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, Minister of State Petroleum Resources from Participating in the APC Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Primaries for April 14, 2023, or Any Other Date”, was signed by Doubra Kpoku, Nelson Gbeinbo, Charles Fyneman, Ogbel Joseph, and Dressman Isowo.

It was then addressed to the APC National Chairman, Secretary, Legal Adviser, and National Organising Secretary.

The petitioners maintain that Sylva’s decision to remain in his current post while pursuing his gubernatorial ambitions goes against the APC constitution.

They have furthermore cautioned that they will initiate legal proceedings against the party if the appropriate actions are not taken to address their grievances.

The statement partly reads, “We are card-carrying members of the APC, Bayelsa State Chapter from various wards in different local government areas of Bayelsa State and refer to the above captioned matter for your urgent attention and action to avoid our dear party from being ridiculed in the forth-coming governorship elections slated for November 2023 or any other date.

“The grounds for our objection are as follows: i. As at 25th March 2023 when the Honourable Minister, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva presented himself for screening at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja International Hotel, Abuja, in his bid to contest the primaries which is expected to be conducted any time soon, the Honourable Minister had failed, refused and/or neglected to resign his ministerial position as Minister of State for Petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is against the extant provisions of Article 31 paragraph (iii)  APC Constitution, as amended; The Honourable Minister and now aspirant for Governor of Bayelsa State is a member of the APC holding political office by virtue of his membership of the APC and as leader of the Party in Bayelsa State.

“It is only reasonable that he should respect the Party Constitution by resigning 30 (thirty) days before the primaries (scheduled for April 14, 2023). It is clear that as at 25th of March, 2023 when the Honourable Minister presented himself for the screening, it is already less than 30 days to 14th of April, 2023 being the date schedule for the APC Governorship Primaries in Bayelsa State for which the Honourable Minister is an aspirant.

“In our opinion, the Honourable Minister cannot and should not be encouraged to eat his cake and have it.

“It is in view of the above that we now request that the aspiration of Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva to partake in the primaries be refused and he be disqualified by the Screening Panel set up by our beloved party.

“Take notice that where this petition is not considered in its merits and the Honourable Minister is not disqualified as requested, we shall have no other option than to approach the court for redress. The All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State must get it right this time around.” it added.

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“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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