With Ward Congresses, Only One Political Family in Bayelsa – Diri

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has declared that the just-concluded ward and local government congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have united members into “one political family” across the state.
Speaking on Saturday at Kaiama, headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Diri said the congresses held across the eight LGAs reflected growing cohesion between old and new members of the party.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, noting that political integration within the APC was progressing steadily. “There are no old and new members anymore. There should be no segregation of any sort,” he said.
According to the governor, the newly elected executives comprise both long-standing and recent members, a move he said underscores the party’s commitment to inclusiveness and unity.
Diri maintained that the APC is positioning itself for victory from the grassroots, expressing confidence that the party would win next year’s local government chairmanship and councillorship elections.
He further described the APC as the dominant political force in Kolokuma/Opokuma, claiming that about 90 per cent of political leaders in the area now belong to the party. He predicted a “clean sweep” for the APC in future elections, pledging adherence to the principle of one man, one vote.
The governor also tasked the newly elected executives and delegates to prioritize President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging them to mobilize massive support for the party.
The congress in Kolokuma/Opokuma was conducted by the local APC election committee chairman, Mr. Marlin Daniel, with Mr. Panebi Dipagha emerging chairman by consensus alongside 26 other executive members. The exercise was observed by party officials and witnessed by a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his acceptance speech, Dipagha thanked party leaders for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to operate within the party’s constitution, promising consultation and unity in steering the affairs of the local chapter.