This is even as the supporters of the Bayelsa politician urged the leadership of the party to grant him the right of first refusal in appreciation of his past success at the poll before pitting him against other aspirants to fight for the sole ticket.

It will be recalled that Lyon was elected in 2019 but was disqualified a day before his swearing-in ceremony because of the certificate of his deputy. He was sacked by the Supreme Court on February 13, 2020

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel of Justices led by Justice Mary Odili, held that Degi-Eremieoyo presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The APC had announced that the governorship primary election holds on Monday, April 10 while the Congress to ratify the results of Imo and Bayelsa governorship primaries takes place on April 11.