PDP in Chaos? Diri Rejects Wike-Backed South -South Congress, Declares It Invalid

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has rejected the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South zonal congress allegedly backed by supporters of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike. Diri maintained that the national leadership of the party did not approve the event, stressing that a fresh date would be determined in consultation with zonal leaders.

Speaking during the PDP State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party's secretariat in Yenagoa on Monday, the governor dismissed reports of the congress held in Calabar, describing it as invalid.

Governor Diri declared that no official PDP zonal congress had taken place in the South-South, stating that any such claims were misleading.

"The PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) is yet to conduct the South-South zonal congress. A new date will be set after due consultation with zonal leaders. The event in Calabar holds no legitimacy," he said.

Diri assured party members that PDP in Bayelsa remains strong, united, and unwavering in its dominance. He urged members to ignore distractions and attempts to divide the party.

Reaffirming PDP's grip on Bayelsa politics, Diri highlighted the party's past and present achievements, including producing a former Nigerian president, governors, and federal legislators.

"Our party remains the dominant force in Bayelsa. It has never lost an election here and remains the platform for any serious politician. Those seeking relevance should align with PDP," Diri stated.

He called on party members to remain focused and avoid falling for divisive tactics, emphasizing that PDP's strength in Bayelsa remains unshakable.

In a dramatic turn at the meeting, representatives of Ogbia Local Government issued an apology to Governor Diri and the PDP over the actions of suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah.

Speaking on behalf of Ogbia leaders, Gabriel Ogbara, a lawmaker representing Ogbia Constituency 3, described Turnah's conduct as regrettable and not representative of the Ogbia people.

"We sincerely apologize for the actions of George Turnah. Betrayal is not in the character of Ogbia people. We reaffirm our loyalty to the party and its leadership," Ogbara said.

During the meeting, the PDP State Executive Council passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, commending their leadership and achievements.

The motion was moved by Rep. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency) and seconded by State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.

State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised the governor for his development strides across Bayelsa, stating that his administration's projects have solidified the party's dominance in the state.

"Governor Diri has demonstrated good governance with tangible projects across the state. His performance has made our future campaigns easier," Agwana noted.

State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that Diri's administration has brought unity and stability to the party.

The meeting had in attendance the deputy governor, federal lawmakers, former deputy governors Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd) and Werinipre Seibarugu, PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu, local government chairmen, and other party stakeholders.