As the Bayelsa gubernatorial election draws close, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is yet to pick a candidate that will represent it at the polls.

This is partly because of the crisis going on the party as to whom should be fielded, which has led to the rescheduling of the primary election.

Although there are many candidates who have signified interest, the party has 4 major contenders in the running for the ticket.

Let’s take a look at the 4 contenders;

 

1. Timipre Sylva

 

Chief Timipre Sylva, is the immediate past governor of Bayelsa state and he remains politically relevant, owing to his influence in the state and national politics.

Sylva, is one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa, and he helped to build a structure for the party in the state.

 

2. Timi Alaibe

Alaibe was once a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. He contested against DSP Alamieyeseigha in the PDP governorship primaries of 2003, but lost.

He attempted to contest for the governorship of Bayelsa in 2011 on the platform of Labour Party but the shift in election dates, affected his campaign.

 

3. Emmanuel Otiotio

Otiotio, largely unknown in political circles, is said to have always had the ambition to become Governor of Bayelsa state.

He contested against Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in the PDP primaries of the 1999 governorship but was controversially declared loser.

 

 

4. Austin Ogionwo

 

Austin Ogionwo, was once commissioner for Lands and Housing under Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

He was one of the key leaders of the PDP since 1999, before his defection.

He also challenged Governor Dickson for the PDP ticket in the last gubernatorial election.