The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has elected new executives across the state’s eight local government areas following congresses held over the weekend.
Party officials said the congresses, conducted simultaneously across the state, were largely peaceful and orderly. Delegates and party stakeholders adopted consensus arrangements in selecting the new leaders, a move party insiders said helped prevent disputes and ensured a smooth exercise.
The congresses mark a key step in the party’s internal restructuring as it prepares to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Saturday at the Ogbia Local Government Centre in Ogbia Local Government Area, the caretaker chairman of the PDP in the state, George Turnah, commended party members for their unity and commitment during the exercise.
According to him, the peaceful conduct of the congresses reflects the strong support the party continues to enjoy among the people of Bayelsa.
“The people of Ogbia and Bayelsa State remain deeply committed to the PDP, a party that has historically produced leaders who have served both the state and the nation with dedication,” Turnah said.
He noted that the party remains firmly rooted in the state’s political landscape and has consistently played a central role in leadership at both the state and federal levels.
Turnah also used the opportunity to caution members who recently defected to other political parties, warning that the PDP is already mobilising its structures across the state to reclaim its political mandate.
“Those who left the party should know that the PDP is reorganising and mobilising at every level to reclaim its mandate and strengthen its position ahead of future elections,” he said.
He stressed that the newly elected local government executives would play a critical role in consolidating the party’s presence at the grassroots and ensuring effective mobilisation of supporters.
“These new executives have a responsibility to unite our members, strengthen the party’s structure at the grassroots, and prepare the PDP for the electoral contests ahead,” Turnah added.
The caretaker chairman further emphasised that the party’s immediate focus is on building a strong political base ahead of the 2027 general elections and the 2028 off-cycle governorship election in the state.
“Our focus is clear. We are preparing seriously for the 2027 general elections and the 2028 governorship election. The PDP remains the dominant political force in Bayelsa, and we are determined to maintain that position,” he said.
Political observers note that the successful conduct of the local government congresses could help stabilize the party’s internal structure in the state as it begins early preparations for upcoming electoral cycles.
Bayelsa has historically been regarded as a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, with the party maintaining significant influence in the state’s political leadership.