Gov Diri Votes In Bayelsa APC Reps Primaries

Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Saturday participated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives direct primary election for the Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency, describing the process as an endorsement of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Oboku Oforji.

The primary election was held in Sampou, headquarters of Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

Diri, shortly after casting his vote in the exercise to return Oforji as the APC candidate, said the massive turnout of party faithful reflected the unity currently existing within the APC in Bayelsa State.

According to him, the unity and peaceful conduct of members were products of the leadership style and inclusive governance of the Prosperity Administration.

The governor further disclosed that before the commencement of voting, stakeholders and elders of the constituency had already reached a consensus to support Oforji for a second term in the House of Representatives.

He noted that the direct primary election was therefore a reaffirmation of the confidence party members and leaders have in the lawmaker’s representation and grassroots appeal.

Returning Officer for Ward 6, Hon. Fortune Panebi, announced that the ward had a total of 3,411 registered APC members, out of which 2,565 accredited party faithful voted for Oforji during the exercise.

Panebi subsequently declared Oforji the winner of the Sampou/Kalama Ward 6 direct primary election.

Also present at the exercise were the Chairman of the APC House of Representatives Primary Election Committee in Bayelsa State, Chief Solomon Ogba, alongside other members of the electoral panel who monitored the process.

In a related development, the APC direct primary election in Ward 4, Kaiama, also recorded overwhelming support for Oforji.

The exercise witnessed the participation of the member representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Werinipre Pamoh; the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Party Matters, Hon. Barr. Suokiri Jackson; the Leader of the KOLGA Legislative Arm, Hon. Azagbu Ebi; ward executives; and other party faithful.

Party stakeholders at the Kaiama exercise described the process as peaceful, transparent and orderly, adding that the turnout demonstrated the commitment of members to internal democracy within the APC.

At the end of voting in Ward 4, Kaiama, Oforji polled all 501 votes cast by the 501 registered voters in the ward.

Following the collation and announcement of results, he was officially declared the winner of the ward primary election.

Supporters and party stakeholders who reacted to the outcome congratulated the lawmaker, saying the result underscored his popularity, grassroots acceptance and dedication to the development of the constituency.

They expressed optimism that his emergence as the party’s candidate would further strengthen unity, progress and effective representation for the people of Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma Federal Constituency.