Bayelsa Polls: Over 6,000 Buhari’s loyalists dump APC, endorse Dickson
Felix Okoye
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in Bayelsa State on Tuesday confirmed its superiority and acceptance by the political class in the state with the defection of over 6000 loyalists of President Muhammadu Buhari to the PDP and endorsed Governor Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid.
The group under the umbrella of Buhari Network of Friends mobilized its members across the State to muster support for Governor Dickson who is seeking re-election come December 5 2015.
Led by its leaders, Chris Otobo, (state coordinator), Liza Tokumo, (Publicity Secretary), Chief David Oweifa, (Chairman, APC Bayelsa West Senatorial District) to the Banquet Hall, venue of the epic event, the group disclosed that of all the aspirants jostling for the number one seat in the state, the incumbent governor has the Best credentials.
To further confirm their support and readiness to participate actively in the forthcoming election, the group displayed their Permanent Voter cards. “On our own part, we have done independent survey and the outcome showed that the candidacy of Hon. Dickson is widely accepted.
Their words, “We were formerly in APC and we know what we are talking about. Of all the candidates, Dickson has all that it takes to lead the state to the promise land.
“In close to four years in office, Governor Dickson has been able to prove his worth in the provision of infrastructure, education, and health to mention but few.
“If these Gould be done in four years, if re-elected he will surpass his first term achievements. It was based on his achievements that we are endorsing him for second term in office”
Receiving the returnees, the Acting Chairman of the PDP,, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff commended the group for its action, describing it as morale booster.
He said that by their loyalties and support for Governor Dickson and the party will spur the Restoration government to bring more dividends of democracy to the people in his second term.
In his speech, the governor reiterated his commitment to the development of the state, adding, I am not ready to play politics with development of Bayelsa state.
His words, “You have made a clear distinction between me and the other candidates going by your endorsement and support for the restoration agenda and the Ijaw course which is right and just especially at this period of our political development.
“This is the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation and I will not renege on the oath that I took on assumption of office close to four years ago”
He urged the group to maintain peace during and after the conduct of the forthcoming election. This is just as he warned the main opposition party (APC) against names dropping, disclosing that they are wrongly using the name of Mr. President.
“President Buhari is a honest and straight forward person that will not support evil in any form; but there is need for him to call members of his party in Bayelsa to order”, he stated.
