Zoning, Defections Deepen Battle For Bayelsa West Senate Seat

With only National Assembly elections scheduled in Bayelsa State in 2027, political attention has shifted sharply to the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, where a fierce contest is already unfolding among major political parties.

At the centre of the emerging battle is former Bayelsa State governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, who is widely believed to be considering a return to the Senate under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His potential comeback is already reshaping political calculations within both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, as parties reposition ahead of the polls.

The contest has been further complicated by the long-standing rotational understanding between Sagbama and Ekeremor local government areas. Under the informal arrangement, when one council produces the senator, the other is expected to take the House of Representatives seat.

Stakeholders from Ekeremor are now arguing that the Senate seat should rotate to their axis after years of perceived Sagbama dominance, intensifying political friction within the district.

The declaration by House of Representatives member, Fred Agbedi, has also deepened the contest. Agbedi has insisted he is prepared to contest the Senate seat, relying on his legislative record in the Green Chamber to secure support from constituents.

Within the APC, uncertainty is also growing, with party sources confirming that several aspirants have expressed interest in the Bayelsa West ticket, even as consultations continue toward possible consensus-building.

A grassroots politician from Isampou Ward 1 in Ekeremor LGA, Fidelis Agbiki, is also being mentioned in political circles as a possible consensus option capable of challenging both Dickson and Agbedi.

Political observers say Dickson’s possible return could significantly reshape alliances ahead of 2027. While his supporters argue that zoning has no constitutional backing, opponents insist that disregarding the rotational understanding could trigger renewed political tension in Bayelsa West.

With three strong political blocs already emerging, the district is increasingly shaping up as one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in Nigeria’s South-South region.