By Emmanuel Enebeli
YENAGOA/Nigeria: In a display of unity and fervor, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, the Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and a gathering of PDP Governors descended upon the scenic Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, to wholeheartedly endorse the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Douye Diri, in preparation for the November 11 election.
The grand culmination of the Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party PDP Governorship campaign rally unfolded at the picturesque Ox-bow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa. The event boasted a star-studded lineup, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the National Campaign Council, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umoh Enoh (Akwa-Ibom), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Deputy Governor of Bayelsa Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor, and his Edo State counterpart, Phillip Shaibu.
Former Governors Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) and Senator Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State) graced the occasion with their presence.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagun presented the party’s flag to Governor Diri and extolled the PDP’s accomplishments in the state. He fervently implored the people to reciprocate the party’s efforts by reelecting Governor Diri, emphasizing his commitment to peace and the state’s development. Damagun also cautioned against repeating past mistakes, urging voters to make the wise choice on Saturday.
In a stirring address, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, praised the PDP for its unity and declared that a united front ensured victory for the party in the upcoming election. He commended Governor Diri for his humility, focus, and hard work, noting the positive transformations in Yenagoa and other parts of the state. Okowa encouraged voters to not only cast their ballots but to also safeguard the votes at polling units and collation points.
Representing the PDP Governors, Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki lauded Governor Diri for his governance reforms and urged the people to vote for the PDP to sustain the quality of governance in the state. He stressed the importance of ensuring that votes were meticulously counted before leaving polling units.
Speaking on behalf of the party’s National Assembly members, Senator Aminu Tambuwal stated, “Diri and Ewhrudjakpor are doing well, so I urge you to support them in continuing their good works.”
Former Governor of the State, Senator Seriake Dickson, commended the PDP’s contributions to Bayelsa’s development, citing the visible dividends of democracy. He praised Diri for extending the reach of development across the state and thanked the state’s leaders, including women and youths, for their unwavering support.
Dickson urged them to rally around the PDP for another four years, emphasizing the tried, tested, and proven leadership of Diri and his Deputy. He called for free, fair, and transparent elections and urged electoral stakeholders to ensure the right procedures were followed.
Governor Douye Diri expressed gratitude to his guests and the people of Bayelsa for their overwhelming support. He vowed not to disappoint them and promised to build on the existing development across the state. He called on the people to vote massively for the PDP on Saturday.
Welcoming the guests earlier, State Chairman of PDP, Hon. Solomon Agwanana, highlighted the party’s resurgence and Bayelsans’ determination to return Douye Diri to office, ensuring prosperity, peace, security, and development throughout the state. The campaign team had previously visited former President Goodluck Jonathan at his Yenagoa home, seeking his support and blessings for their cause.
