Timipre Sylva, former Governor of Bayelsa, yesterday emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) state gubernatorial primary under controversial circumstances.

According to the results announced by Mr Nelson Alakpa, a member of the Bayelsa Governorship Committee headed by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, Sylva polled 726 votes while Mr Timi Alaibe scored four votes.

The primary ran into a hitch that suspended the accreditation of delegates for the election held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

The accreditation was suspended over disagreements amongst other aspirants, who alleged that delegates loyal to them were denied access to the venue.

Policemen drafted to the venue had to use tear gas to disperse the delegates involved in the scuffle.

The development compelled Gov. Oshiomhole, Chairman of the seven-member APC Governorship Primary for Bayelsa, to hold an emergency meeting with the 19 aspirants, which lasted for two hours. The meeting could not, however, resolve the contentious issues.

Mr Timi Alaibe, one of the frontline aspirants, called for a postponement of the primary to enable all eligible delegates to participate in the exercise. He asked his supporters to leave the venue when his wish was not granted.

Other aspirants staged a walk-out from the venue, leaving Sylva and his supporters, who stayed back and voted as the primary election dragged into the night.

Oshiomhole left the venue around 5pm in the company of soldiers and Directorate of State Security (DSS) operatives without addressing the remaining party delegates. He handed proceedings to Mr Nelson Alakpa, who oversaw the accreditation exercise that resumed a few minutes afterwards, conducted the election and announced the results.

•Photos shows Timipre Sylva.

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