By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
Ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, several members of the opposition All Progressives Congress are working behind the scene to ensure that ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, wins the election.
The Bayelsa State governor, who is also the PDP’s candidate, Senator Duoye Diri who disclosed this on Thursday, said
that the APC candidate, Timiprye Sylva has been roundly rejected by his party members.
Governor Diri however cautioned PDP members not to underrate the capabilities of his main rival in the election.
The governor who spoke at the PDP national secretariat, Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the party’s national campaign council for the governorship election in Bayelsa State, explained that his wide acceptance is due to the caliber of service he was able to deliver in the past three years.
He said that his four years of stewardship has impacted positively on the people but warned that it would be wrong for PDP faithful to think that the election is already won by the party.
“One thing I would like to point out is that the election we are going into is an election like everyone has said we believe that we have won. But there is a popular saying in my place that when a blind man tells you that he is going to stone you, it means that he is standing on top of a stone.
“So let us not take our opponents, especially the APC for granted. In Bayelsa, I will like to let you know that this election is across party line. So, we are not going there to deride APC.
“There are so many APC members who have come out openly to say ‘yes in Abuja we are APC, but in Bayelsa we are PDP.’ I mean leaders of APC. So, when we go for this campaign, we should be seen to be accepting them,” Diri said.
He further boasted that PDP holds the ace, but cautioned that there should no room for complacency.
“On ground like everyone has attested to, it is like 80-20 per cent in this election, but we will not take it for granted because somebody is boasting that whether the people like it or not, he is going to win. That means he is standing on a stone, and we must remove that stone from under him. That is all that the PDP needs to do,” he added.
Gov. Diri expressed optimism in the capacity of his party to win the election even if the former Minister of State, Petroleum who is his major contender employs federal might to compromise the process
“I am not very sure that even the federal might that we used to know of, will be enough for a candidate that has been roundly rejected by the people. The Federal Government is also not a government that is anti-democracy; it will stand to defend democracy. We are in a democratic system, and I believe that if we work well and we do not take it for granted, we have already won. It is not over until it is over,” he added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the PDP Bayelsa State Governorship Election Campaign Council and Governor of Taraba State, Kefas Agbu urged members to walk the whole distance to deliver Diri.
“Our gathering marks not just the beginning of a crucial politics or political journey but a testament to our unwavering dedication to democratic ideas and the progress of our state, Bayelsa.
“In this pivotal moment, we recognize the weight of our responsibility to the people of Bayelsa State as we set our sight to retain our governorship position in Bayelsa State and embrace the task of envisioning a prosperous and inclusive future for every citizen of Bayelsa State.
“Our campaign is not merely a quest for power, it is a commitment to transformative leadership that foster growth, equity and unity. Bayelsa’s potential is limitless and we stand at a crossroad of history, written to shape the trajectory. Our campaigns will be driven by the voices of the people and our policies will reflect their aspirations.
“Our success will not be defined solely by our victory at the poll but by the trust we have built over time and the positive impact we have made in the lives of Bayelsans. As we embark on this electoral journey, let us remember that unity is our strength. Our diversity as a party mirrors the diversity of our dear Bayelsa State and it is this diversity that will fuel our progress. Let us foster an environment of collaboration where innovative ideas will flourish and define perspective in enriching our strategies,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP National Working Committee, Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party, Taofeek Arapaja urged the council members not to relent in the task of ensuring that Bayelsa remains a PDP state after the November 11 election.
“I believe we can get Bayelsa back and we will get it back but we need to work very hard. We should not leave any stone unturned and I know that those in the committee are very hardworking led by the governor of Taraba State. Whatever you believe the party can do to help so that the laudable objective of winning back Bayelsa state can be achieved, we will be there to do it,” he said.
Other members of the Committee include Senators Stella Omu, Chukwuka Utazi, Chinedu Nwoko among others.
The campaign council is made up of 11 sub committees including security, publicity, transportation, finance, venue and arena, protocols among others.