PDP elects new Bayelsa LG leaders, vows to reclaim state in 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has elected new executives across its eight local government areas following congresses held over the weekend.

The congresses were reportedly peaceful, with party leaders adopting a consensus arrangement to select the new officials.

Speaking during the exercise at the Ogbia Local Government Centre on Saturday, the PDP caretaker chairman in the state, George Turnah, said residents of Ogbia and the state remained committed to the party, which he noted had historically produced leaders at both state and national levels.

Turnah also warned party members who defected to other political platforms that the PDP was mobilising to reclaim its mandate ahead of the 2027 general election and the 2028 off-cycle governorship election.

“PDP is Bayelsa, and Bayelsa is PDP. The support you see here reflects the strong grassroots presence of the party. With God on our side, we will reclaim Creek Haven, the seat of power in Bayelsa State,” he said.

He highlighted the party’s achievements in the state, noting that the PDP had produced several prominent leaders, including deputy governors and even an acting president in the country’s political history.

Turnah commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as effective leadership within the party, and also praised the Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, for maintaining a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.

He further acknowledged the monitoring role of the Independent National Electoral Commission during the congresses, noting that delegates from all 105 wards in the state attended the local government meetings.

The newly elected PDP chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, Ofoni Morgan, described Bayelsa as a stronghold of the party and pledged to work towards reclaiming power in the state.

“Ogbia and Bayelsa State have always been loyal to PDP. We will do our best to ensure the party retrieves its mandate and takes back this state come 2027,” he said.

The congresses are seen as a key step in the party’s internal consolidation, aimed at strengthening unity and mobilising grassroots support ahead of future elections in the state.