In recent weeks, pending elections and controversial electoral tribunals have dominated the political agenda in the oil-rich Niger Delta, Nigeria Focus looks at the developments. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have since called an emergency meeting and agreed that unpatriotic elements within the judiciary are helping the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) take over their states – it is a party feeling the pressure of being in opposition for the first time.

In Rivers State

Pro-Biafra protests in Rivers State prompted Governor Nyesom Wike to sanction a security crackdown, leading to arrests for treason. And on 23 October, an Abuja election tribunal invalidated Wike’s victory in the April gubernatorial election over Dakuku Peterside of the APC. The tribunal described evidence provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Wike’s team as ‘incredible and unreliable.’

Even though Wike’s supporters say he is still the governor, and Wike says he will challenge the verdict, former governor Rotimi Amaechi’s weekend visit to Port Harcourt within two days of the verdict sends a message. Wike, who is affiliated with the PDP, had sanctioned an investigation into Amaechi’s gubernatorial conduct, but that failed to stall Amaechi’s progress through Senate vetting for a ministerial post. Evidently, it has been a good October for the APC.

Even tribunal verdicts this month in favour of six PDP-affiliated House of Representatives members originally victorious on 28 March, dismissing an APC bid to eject them from office, is scant consolation to the PDP. At least, for now, the tribunal has yet to set a new election date – it should occur in the next 90 days – although Wike will press for an appeal first.

In Delta State

An Asaba-based tribunal is set to rule on a challenge by APC gubernatorial candidate Olorogun O’tega Emerhor against PDP candidate and current governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Okowa won the Delta State governorship in April.

The Delta State PDP is also wary of events in Akwa Ibom, as an Abuja-based tribunal has rejected gubernatorial election results in the majority of districts. Some believe that an

APC-led conspiracy is being conducted under President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch.

Bayelsa election

In this context, the upcoming election in Bayelsa State is all the more significant. Scheduled for 5 December, although with a postponement suspected, the election will pit incumbent PDP governor Seriake Dickson against former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva.

The APC candidate emerged victorious from a chaotic primary contest, which was originally suspended in September following clashes between police and party members.

The credibility of the process was further damaged by the withdrawal from the contest of Timi Alaibe on 29 September. His press release suggested that his decision had been made in order to avoid the ‘collateral consequences’ of continued participation. Indeed, there was significant pressure within the APC for Alaibe to stand down.

In the meantime, expect further PDP attacks on Sylva, who is already described by PDP state secretary Keku Godspower as unelectable.