PDP set to receive defectors in Bayelsa State

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before and shortly after the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election are set to return to the party.

Governor Douye Diri, who disclosed this at his Sampou-Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Council area during PDP ward congresses at the weekend, urged the leaders to accommodate them in order to end opposition in the state.

He said the PDP, which has a significant presence with visible structures in the 105 wards of the state, would continue to dominate Bayelsa politics for a long time.

Commending the national leadership of the PDP headed by Uche Secondus for conducting peaceful ward congresses in the 105 wards of the state, he said the new spirit of unity and consensus-building has put the party in good stead to win future elections in the state.

He congratulated those who were elected to pilot the affairs of the wards, urging them to discharge their duties with diligence, as they were now ambassadors and representatives of the party at the ward level.

“So much is expected of you both in character and as executive members of your wards. You are carrying the image of the governor before your peers and executive committee members from other wards in Bayelsa,” he said.

“The election of ward executives was a consensus and PDP members affirmation in the ward in recognition of the role they played before and during the November 16, 2019 governorship election.

“There is a new spirit in the party and there is consensus building. What we have witnessed is a consensus of all PDP members in Sampou-Kalama Ward 6. Out of the consensus, what is simply noticed here is an affirmation of those that everybody has agreed should pilot our party,” he stated.

Diri noted that reports at his disposal indicate that the ward congresses were peaceful and commendable and commended the Kolokuma/Opokuma PDP local government area caucus chairman, Isaac Kumokou, stakeholders, women and youths for their loyalty and commitment to the party.

In his acceptance speech, newly elected Chairman of Sampou-Kalama Ward 6, James Usukoromogha, thanked members for finding them worthy to serve.

He assured the leadership of the party at the local government and state levels of their commitment and readiness to work hard to ensure that the PDP remains the dominant party in the area.