The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has taken a bold step toward strengthening its political structure as party leaders and stakeholders applauded the successful conduct of its Local Government Area (LGA) congresses across the state.
The exercise, which took place simultaneously in the eight local government headquarters, drew a massive turnout of delegates and party faithful from the 105 wards across Bayelsa, reinforcing the party’s grassroots dominance.
Observers and party leaders described the congress as peaceful, orderly, and a clear demonstration of the PDP’s unity and growing strength in the state.
At the centre of the commendation was the Acting Chairman of the PDP in Bayelsa State and South-South Zonal Secretary of the party, Alabh George Turnah, who praised party members for conducting themselves in a disciplined and organized manner throughout the exercise.
Reports gathered from various parts of the state indicated that the congresses proceeded smoothly, with most local government chapters adopting consensus arrangements to elect their leaders.
Political observers say the peaceful conduct of the exercise has boosted confidence among stakeholders that the PDP remains firmly rooted at the grassroots, despite contrary views in some quarters.
Speaking with journalists at the congress venue in Ogbia Local Government Area, Turnah declared that the people of Ogbia and Bayelsa State would continue to stand by the PDP because of the historic opportunities the party has given to the area.
According to him, the PDP provided the platform that elevated sons of Ogbia to some of the highest political offices in Nigeria.
He said the party had produced a deputy governor, an acting governor, a governor, a vice president, an acting president and eventually the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the area.
Turnah also sent a strong political message to defectors who left the party with what he described as its mandate, warning them to prepare for a major political showdown in the 2027 general elections and the 2028 Bayelsa governorship election.
He expressed optimism that the PDP was already mobilizing across the state to reclaim its mandate.
“PDP is Bayelsa and Bayelsa is PDP,” he declared, adding that the support base of the party in the state remains organic and deeply rooted among the grassroots population.
Turnah further commended the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission for monitoring the congress in line with electoral regulations, and praised delegates who travelled from all parts of the state to participate in the exercise.
He also acknowledged the leadership role of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, whom he described as a national leader of the party providing strong direction for the PDP as a formidable opposition in Nigeria.
Turnah equally lauded Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for maintaining a peaceful and secure political atmosphere in the state.
According to him, the calm environment witnessed during the congress reflects the political culture of the Ijaw people, where unity and family ties often transcend partisan differences.
Meanwhile, the newly elected PDP Chairman for Ogbia Local Government Area, Ofoni Godknows Morgan, reaffirmed the party’s determination to reclaim what he called its mandate in Bayelsa.
Morgan noted that Bayelsa has remained a traditional stronghold of the PDP since the beginning of Nigeria’s current democratic era, expressing confidence that the party would regain full control of the state’s political landscape.
“Ogbia and Bayelsa State have always been PDP strongholds,” he said, adding that, “We will do everything within our power to ensure the party retrieves its mandate and stands strong again.”
