The official flag off of Sylva/Igiri governorship campaign suffered a serious setback on Monday in Sagbama, Bayelsa State with the absence of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) governors and other chieftains of the Party.

The National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Oyegun and his Deputy for the South West, Chief Segun Oni were the only notable figures in attendance, while others were absent.

It was earlier reported that the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, (SAN) would be leading the packs of the party chieftains but the APC supporters were shocked to see only handful of party chieftains.

This development, as reliably informed is a confirmation that the party leadership are only paying lip service to the candidacy of the former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva.

A source revealed that the leadership knows that Sylva cannot win the election but was only given the ticket to compensate him for his efforts in the election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sylva at the occasion boasted that he has all it takes to win the election, but was not taking serious by his followers.

One of them who confided in our correspondent stated that for Sylva to win the forthcoming election, it will require divine election.

The boycott by the governors, even though it is unofficial might not be unconnected with the perceived animosity between Sylva and Governor Adams Oshiomole.

Governor Oshiomhole was the chairman of the first botched primary of the APC in Bayelsa State.

•Photo shows Timipre Sylva.