It is no longer news now that the PDP in the state had lost senior members to the APC since the electioneering commenced. Even, some members of the Dickson cabinet have since switched tents going for their boss’ opponent, who is already basking in the euphoria of gaining some wide support even though he had also lost a number of supporters to Dickson.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC boss

Just like Dickson, Sylva has also suffered same fate as Chief Richard Kpodo, his own former Special Adviser on Security Matters, has reportedly vowed to wrestle him and ensure he does not win the election to rule Bayelsa again. He calls Sylva a bad product that cannot sell. Also, the PDP in the state believe Sylva is not competent to rule the state adding that it was a shame that he was the best the APC could produce out of all the party’s aspirants. To the party, Sylva’s emergence had further created fear of violence ahead of the election, but the Sylva camp believes that the PDP is scared of defeat with the soaring popularity of Sylva.

Elder Asu Beks, President of the Ijaw People’s Assembly, is one of those who believe Sylva would have a field day with the election. “On December 5, Chief Sylva’s main challenger, is Governor Seriake Dickson, a man who has been openly rejected by the old and young, men and women due to his anti-people policies in the past four years. Don’t also forget that our people have had a long history from the days of late Melford Okilo, of not playing opposition politics and since APC is at the centre, it should be expected that Chief Timipre Sylva would have a clean sweep. And if you also consider the fact that Chief Sylva is a youth and gender friendly Governor during his first term you can be rest assured that December 5 would be a mere formality. The people of Bayelsa crave for change and the change is Chief Timipre Sylva,” he said lamenting that Dickson had destroyed the legacies built by Sylva. “Early this year, Governor Seriake Dickson led thugs and some members of his anti crime outfit, called “DOO AKPO” to sack a court in session in Yenagoa. A pregnant lawyer was beaten to a state of COMA and court properties were destroyed. The video of this dastardly act is still trending in the social media. I have on good authority that the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA has issued him a query with possibility that his practicing license as a lawyer might be withdraw. And only recently, Governor Dickson sent thugs to beat up APC volunteers who were on ‘clean up Yenagoa City’ campaign.”

Though the verbal attacks have continued unabated, Dickson is still very optimistic of being victorious. If nothing, the recent welcome he received from some communities where the women excitedly spread their wrappers on the floor for him to walk on gives such confidence. The governor is not also leaving anything to chances. Last month, he increased the minimum wage of teachers in the state by 18 percent to show how teacher-friendly he is. “I hereby approve the payment of your 18 percent minimum wage. Your role is invaluable. I am equally ready to improve on it as our finances improve,” he told the teachers.

While some think he has bought the teachers over with this gesture, others say the teachers are wiser. Whatever the case is, the picture would become extremely clear on 5 December and the days after it.