Senator Paulker Rules Out Defection, Backs PDP Reconciliation Efforts

Former Deputy Minority Whip of the 8th Senate and three-time Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he has no intention of leaving the party.

Paulker made the declaration when members of the PDP State Working Committee (SWC), led by the state chairman, Chief Alabh George Turnah, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The former senator, who represented Bayelsa Central from 2007 to 2019, said he had remained in the PDP since its formation in 1998 and was committed to its revival in the state.

“Since 1998, I have not left the PDP for even a second. I will not leave this party,” he said.

He commended Turnah for his leadership of the party and pledged his support to the current state executive, urging members to remain united and work towards strengthening the party.

Paulker also advised the leadership to carry all stakeholders along and pursue reconciliation to address internal disagreements.

“My doors are open to you at all times. Hold firm; the party is in safe hands under your leadership, and I am with you all the way,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome its challenges and regain political strength in Bayelsa, urging members to remain committed to the party.

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Paulker noted that many prominent political figures in the state began their political careers in the PDP, stressing the need to preserve and strengthen the party.

In his response, Turnah described Paulker as one of the founding pillars of the PDP in Bayelsa, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the political development of the state.

He said the former senator’s experience, advice and guidance remained important to the current leadership of the party.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa PDP has directed its National Assembly candidates to take full responsibility for their individual campaigns, while the party leadership concentrates on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Ikaebimo Mark, disclosed this in a statement following the State Working Committee’s meeting held on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Mark said the decision was in line with a directive from the party’s national leader, Nyesom Wike, issued in consultation with the PDP National Working Committee.

According to him, the state leadership will focus its campaign activities on Tinubu’s re-election under the National Rainbow Coalition arrangement.

He said all National Assembly candidates had been directed to organise and manage their campaigns independently, including intensifying engagements with communities across the state.

The statement added that the candidates were expected to continue with the independent campaign arrangements many of them had already adopted.

However, Mark said the party leadership would remain available to provide guidance and support to any candidate who requested assistance.