Diri Hails Turnout in Bayelsa APC Senatorial Primaries, Says Peaceful Process Strengthens Democracy

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the high voter turnout recorded in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in the state, describing the participation as impressive and encouraging for democratic engagement.

Diri gave the commendation on Monday after casting his vote at Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, noting that the exercise had so far been peaceful across the state.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said the governor expressed satisfaction with the conduct of party members, observing that there had been no violent incident since the commencement of the primaries, including the House of Representatives contests held earlier.

He attributed the smooth conduct of the exercise largely to the consensus arrangement adopted by the APC in most wards, as well as what he described as his administration’s consistent emphasis on peace and unity over political rivalry.

“I am sure the turnout will increase as we progress with the primaries. The more members get voter education, the more they will turn out to perform their civic duties. That is why you see a surge in this APC senate primaries,” Diri was quoted as saying.

“As a government, we do not elevate politics above our brotherhood. So whether we belong to different political parties, first and foremost we are brothers and sisters in the same state and we are all Nigerians. We have no reason to kill one another because of political offices.”

The governor added that sustained peace advocacy by his administration had helped reduce electoral tension in the state.

“From the day my administration was inaugurated, we started preaching peace and brotherliness… I am happy that this awareness is taking roots in the state. So, in this primaries, we have not had any incident across the 105 wards in the state,” he said.

Diri, however, noted that the senatorial primary in Bayelsa East differed from those in the Central and West districts due to disagreements over the consensus arrangement.

He explained that the party had to resort to direct primary voting in the zone, assuring that the process would remain transparent and credible.

“I spoke to the electoral committee chairman, Solomon Ogba, to ensure that his credibility reflects in that election so that whoever emerges will be our party’s senatorial candidate in the eastern district,” he said.

Meanwhile, the APC National Assembly Primaries Committee, chaired by Chief Solomon Ogba, supervised the exercise, which was also observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including electoral officers deployed to Kolokuma/Opokuma.

Observers who monitored the process across wards reportedly described the exercise as orderly and largely peaceful.

In a related reaction, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, also said the primaries were free, fair, and peaceful, pledging support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in Bayelsa West.