Bayelsa PDP Rules Out Automatic Ticket, Opens 2027 Governorship Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has opened the door for a competitive governorship contest ahead of the 2027 election, ruling out an automatic ticket for its state leader, Great Joshua MacIver, despite his declaration to contest the election.

The position, announced by the state chairman of the party, Hon. Alabh George Turnah, signals that the party may have to manage an increasingly competitive internal race as more aspirants emerge.

Turnah spoke at the first expanded meeting of heads of working committees in the state and the inauguration of the party’s Campaign Budget Committee, where he also confirmed that the party had completed the uploading of its candidates’ particulars on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

He said the particulars of the party’s National Assembly candidates had already been published, while those of its State House of Assembly candidates would be released shortly.

The chairman congratulated the candidates and expressed confidence that the party would retain its electoral strength in the state.

Turnah formally welcomed MacIver’s governorship ambition but made it clear that the declaration did not amount to an automatic nomination.

He said the party remained open to other aspirants who wished to seek its ticket, stressing that all qualified members would be allowed to participate in the process.

“Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. Now that MacIver has taken this bold step, we want to see more people coming forward who also want to contest the governorship position.”

Rather than endorsing his aspiration, Turnah said the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of their political status.

This means that other PDP members interested in the governorship are expected to begin consultations and build support ahead of the party’s eventual nomination process.

Another major development disclosed at the meeting was MacIver’s approval of a N70 million monthly subvention to support the administration and operations of the party in Bayelsa.

Turnah said the intervention followed discussions on the financial needs of the party and would assist its structures and officials from the ward level to the state, as well as national, zonal and other support personnel.

However, he maintained that the financial support was separate from MacIver’s governorship ambition, adding that the party would not allow the financial intervention to compromise its nomination process or give MacIver an advantage over other aspirants.

Beyond the 2027 governorship election, the PDP chairman announced that the party had resolved to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in Bayelsa.

He directed members interested in contesting chairmanship and councillorship positions to begin consultations and take advantage of the party’s platform.

Turnah also challenged the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to ensure that the local government elections are conducted freely, fairly and transparently.

The decision expands the party’s immediate electoral focus from the governorship and National Assembly elections to grassroots politics, where control of local government structures could influence the party’s wider political strength.

The party also approved the commencement of a Women Prayer Network, initially involving 100 women who will meet twice every month. Each participant, according to the statement, will receive a monthly stipend of N10,000.

The initiative is part of efforts by the state PDP leadership to strengthen its grassroots structures and increase participation among women ahead of the coming electoral contests.

The party also fixed its 100th State Executive Committee meeting for October 2, 2026, which will coincide with activities marking Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary.

Turnah also praised the National Leader of the PDP, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his support for the party. He said Wike’s interventions had contributed to keeping the PDP active and electorally prepared in Bayelsa.

The party subsequently passed votes of confidence and commendation on Wike, MacIver and Turnah for their respective contributions to the party’s organisation and growth.