Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, for alleged electoral fraud in the November 11, 2023, governorship election. This comes after the election petition tribunal dismissed the APC and Sylva’s petition challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Diri, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the election winner.
Speaking at the King of Glory Chapel in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri expressed gratitude and shared details of the tribunal proceedings, highlighting inconsistencies and fraudulent activities exposed during cross-examination.
Diri revealed that APC witnesses undermined their own case with frivolous claims and inconsistent exhibits. He specifically mentioned a former Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Tolani Alausa, who was presented as a star witness for the APC. Alausa was accused of tendering false evidence and presenting fake INEC documents, which led to his humiliation in court.
The governor noted that although Alausa was no longer serving as the CP in Bayelsa State, he appeared at the tribunal to support the APC candidate, allegedly due to influence from Sylva. Diri also criticized the APC state chairman, Chief Dennis Otiotio, for unprofessional conduct, despite being a legal practitioner.
Diri called for the judiciary to impose heavy sanctions on those who abuse court processes with frivolous matters. He recounted an instance where APC’s presented INEC forms were proven to be counterfeit, printed locally in Yenagoa and lacking the barcodes found on authentic INEC result sheets.
The governor also mentioned the controversial role of the Commissioner of Police, who was transferred from Bayelsa State after being indicted by the Inspector General for misconduct but returned to oversee the election, allegedly through Sylva’s influence.
Governor Diri described the tribunal’s dismissal of the APC’s case as a clear distinction between “light and darkness.” He emphasized that the judges thoroughly addressed the points raised by the APC, reinforcing the legitimacy of the tribunal’s decision.
The governor concluded by characterizing Sylva’s litigation efforts as a deceptive attempt to undermine the electoral process, accusing him of trying to steal the election and then falsely claiming injustice. Diri expressed confidence in the appeal process, affirming the robustness of the tribunal’s judgment.
