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Convention: Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi lead PDP chairman race

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Amid the growing tension over the forthcoming national convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party have resolved to zone the national chairmanship position to the North -West in a move aimed at unifying the party ahead of the crucial exercise.

The PDP leaders, who are also involved in the transition process, that during the Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was agreed that the North-West zone should produce the party’s national chairman, while the three northern zones would this week decide on the consensus candidates for all key positions.

Party insiders disclosed that the North-West zone was expected to choose among former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with Turaki reportedly enjoying an early majority support in the contest.

A top party official said that Turaki was likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, adding that he enjoyed the backing of key stakeholders, including the few governors now left in the party.

He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.

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“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.

“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.

It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.

“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman. Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.

“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions. Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”

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The North currently occupies key National Working Committee positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, as well as the National Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.

Although the party has resolved to hold the event in Ibadan, dissatisfaction persists particularly among supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who remains displeased with the leadership of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.

Wike’s loyalists are reportedly angered by the lingering leadership disputes in the South-South, battles over control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as disagreements surrounding the micro-zoning of elective offices ahead of the convention.

FHC adjourns hearing

These internal crises have now escalated into a legal confrontation. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election procedures.

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The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 following a disagreement over who was legally authorised to represent the PDP.

The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) claimed to be the rightful counsel. This made the judge to direct them to present evidence of authorisation before the next hearing on October 20.

Meanwhile, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed the decision to remove Ajibade and appoint Chief Uche (SAN) as his replacement. Ajibade, however, maintained that only a national convention had the authority to remove him.

In a fresh twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed October 31 for judgment of the suit seeking to halt the Ibadan convention over alleged violations of the party’s constitution.

Justice Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments for and against the suit filed by three aggrieved party members.

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The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — are asking the court to stop the convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected.

The plaintiffs alleged that the planned convention breached the PDP Constitution.

The nine defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission; the PDP; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the National Working Committee; the National Executive Committee; Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the convention, warning that he would not hesitate to nullify any action taken in violation of the court’s directive.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court not to dismiss the case as a mere internal party matter but to view it as an effort to enforce compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution.

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Daudu argued that the Nigerian Constitution mandated INEC to monitor the congresses of political parties before they can be deemed valid.

He maintained that no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states before the PDP’s NWC and NEC issued the notice for the November convention.

However, the party’s acting chairman, Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that issues relating to conventions and congresses were internal party affairs.

This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who represented the PDP’s NWC and NEC, insisting that the courts lacked the authority to intervene in the party’s internal matters.

In a related development, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Inspector- General of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services, denying that he signed the August 29 letter notifying INEC of the planned convention and requesting an investigation into the alleged forgery of the letter.

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Regardless of the party’s dismissal of Anyanwu’s claims and endorsement of a probe of his allegation by the Department of State Services, the developments have deepened uncertainty over the convention, raising fears that the internal wrangling, forgery allegations and court disputes could derail the preparations for the PDP’s leadership transition.

Consensus arrangement

Speaking on the consensus arrangement that would lead to the emergence of the next party chairman, a PDP chieftain from the North-West, explained that the decision  does not stop anyone from contesting, noting that any party member from any zone who is unhappy with the arrangement is free to run for any position of his choice.

“The PDP constitution allows for both consensus and open contest, giving stakeholders room to agree while respecting the rights of others to contest,” he added.

Another party leader from the North, who also corroborated the development, told The PUNCH, “During our recent meeting, the majority agreed that the position of national chairman should be zoned to the North-West.

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“Other positions were also micro-zoned in a kind of swap arrangement; some offices initially allocated to the North-West were moved to other geopolitical zones. The leaders of the three northern zones – North-West, North-East, and North-Central – will now convene separate meetings within their zones this week to decide on consensus candidates for the various positions.

“As of now, the former Minister of Special Duties (Turakin) is in the race and may emerge chairman as he enjoys majority support, while some party leaders are also supporting Lamido for the position of national chairman. Also in the race from the North-West is former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.

“When the North-West leaders meet later this week, they are expected to agree on a consensus candidate. However, that will not prevent others from contesting as anyone who disagrees with the consensus is free to participate. That is the beauty of democracy. So, that is the stage we are at now.”

Confirming the micro-zoning arrangement, a former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar Tsauri, explained that the positions initially zoned to the North-West had been further micro-zoned to the North-East, while those for the North-Central have been allocated to the North- West.

Tsauri, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated, “Yes, the majority agreed that the national chairman should go to the North-West, but a few people have reservations and say they have a minority stance. But the majority agreed with that. In fact, as far as the Northern Caucus is concerned, the position has been micro-zoned to the North-West.

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“The North-Central wanted to have the national chairman, but the majority supported the North-West because the contest was between North-Central and North-West. What the party leaders for the North did was: all the positions currently occupied by people from the North-West go to the North-East, and those from the North-East go to the North-Central; the positions of the North- Central have been zoned to the North-West. It is now the prerogative of the zones to do what we call consensus.”

When asked about the candidates, the former PDP national secretary explained that the zonal leaders would make an announcement soon.

He stated, “You’ll have to wait until the time comes. It’s not for you to know now because this is an internal matter. We don’t bring it out until we finish, likely before Monday, you will be able to know.

“Even without asking me, you’ll know those who are interested or the person they’ll zero in on. Each zone will look at who is going to take which position and report when the Chairman of the Convention Committee calls us. Definitely, whatever is going to be done will be done within the week.

“All those positions zoned to North-Central, North-West, and North-East will be brought to the same Northern Caucus. Then, we’ll announce the consensus candidate who are going to contest.

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“But if someone feels uncomfortable with the arrangement, he’s free to contest. Zoning is only meant to avoid unnecessary conflicts. That’s our interest, that’s why we are micro-zoning.”

Reacting to the situation in the party, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed talks of a crisis, stating that the November convention would mark the beginning of a renewed and stronger party.

He stated, “There are no issues in our party. Everything happening shows that the party is a democratic one, and it allows people to contest their opinions, express their views, and abide by their interests. And that’s what is important.

“What is important to us is that the convention will hold on November 15 and 16 as scheduled in Ibadan, and we are going to elect a new set of leaders. This convention will pick new leaders that will position the party, and Nigerians are interested in what is going on.

“They are interested in the affairs of the party. They are interested in what the party leadership is doing. They are interested in the convention because they are tired of the clueless All Progressives Congress administration, and they are looking up to the PDP to return and change things for good.

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“So, the convention will produce new leadership that will bring in competent leaders who will run on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general elections.”

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Politics

‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More

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Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc

Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.

While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.

Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.

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“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.

“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”

He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.

“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.

“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”

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Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.

Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.

“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.

“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”

Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.

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He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.

He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.

“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”

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2027: Tomorrow Is Here Group Rallies Thousands of Nsukka’s Voters for APC, Mbah, Tinubu’s Re-elections

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…Our zone has settled for APC, can’t be deceived again – Igboetiti boss

The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a prominent political support group in Enugu State, has mobilised thousands of voters across Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, in support of the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The mobilisation, which featured a victory walk across several communities in the district, attracted thousands of residents and supporters, with political leaders declaring that the zone was increasingly aligning with the APC ahead of the elections.

The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Ugwu-Amadieze, reaffirmed the commitment of the zone to the APC, insisting that Nsukka voters would no longer be deceived by politicians without credible development agendas.

The rally, tagged “Victory Walk for All APC Candidates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone,” commenced at Opi, Nsukka, and proceeded through Orba, Obollo-Afor and Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area, before extending to Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North; Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South and other communities in Nsukka Local Government Area.

Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the Leader of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, thanked the people for their massive participation, disclosing that the mobilisation, initially planned for about 200 persons, attracted thousands of supporters.

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He attributed the turnout to the growing acceptance of the Mbah and Tinubu administrations, citing infrastructure development, educational interventions, healthcare delivery, agricultural empowerment and improved transportation.

“We were not prepared to see this number of people enduring a long walk across different parts of the zone that took several hours. Your presence today shows appreciation for what Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu are doing.

“The ongoing dual carriageway from 9th Mile through Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka and Udenu to Benue is a major infrastructure investment that will transform our communities. Nsukka has also produced its first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Ortuanya, after 50 years. Our people are benefiting from federal appointments, agricultural programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“Under Governor Mbah, we have witnessed improved security, Smart Green Schools in every ward, modern healthcare facilities and ongoing road projects. Over 50 CNG buses are also operating from the Nsukka Central Terminal, providing affordable transportation and security to passengers.

“These are visible interventions. We are glad that our people are embracing the APC. The good work must continue, and this is possible if we support the APC from the Presidency to the House of Assembly,” he said.

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In his remarks, Ugwu-Amadieze urged voters to reject attempts by opposition politicians to exploit tribal sentiments and political emotions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC had demonstrated greater commitment to the development of the zone.

He said the massive turnout at the victory walk reflected the willingness of residents to identify with Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.

“What happened today was a victory walk for Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the zone. From what we have witnessed across Nsukka, I can boldly tell you that our people are happy to identify with Governor Peter Mbah.

“Our zone has settled for APC. We cannot be deceived again by politicians who have no clear agenda for our people. Our people have embraced the ideology behind the broom and are ready to vote for all APC candidates.

“When we approached Governor Mbah with two requests; to assist in securing the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria for an indigene of Nsukka and to consider the dualisation of the Penoks–Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka road, little did we know that he would exceed our expectations within a short period of time. That has never happened in the history of our zone. The people of Nsukka are prepared to reciprocate his commitment through their votes in 2027,” he declared.

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Also speaking, the Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Dr. Chris Onyekachi, reaffirmed his people’s support for the APC, attributing increased financial capacity of subnational governments to the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.

He said improved allocations to state and local governments had created opportunities for increased development interventions and infrastructure delivery at the grassroots, urging residents to support the continuity of the ongoing reforms.

Similarly, the Deputy ALGON Chairman and council boss of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the achievements of the Mbah administration and interventions by local government councils had demonstrated the APC’s capacity to deliver development.

He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory across the senatorial district in 2027, assuring that APC candidates would receive massive support from voters in the zone.

Among dignitaries who attended the rally were the APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Idodo; Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Dan Shere; William Amuta; Hon. Favour Asogwa; and the Deputy Mayors of Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.

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Others included Chief Chukwukwurote Odo, popularly known as Messiah na Nsukka; Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu Local Government Area; Vitalis Okonkwo (Oil Money), Special Personal Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation; Osita Ajih; Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement; and several other APC and THM faithful.

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2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Health

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2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Healt
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is in good health but requires adequate rest due to exhaustion from his demanding political schedule.
The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that Obi’s frequent travels, hectic engagements and commitment to political activities had taken a toll on his energy.
According to Omale, the former governor maintains a demanding routine, often travelling between different locations within short periods while attending to numerous political and other responsibilities.
He noted that Obi hardly has enough time to rest, considering the intensity of his engagements and the energy he devotes to his political activities.
Omale expressed amazement at the presidential candidate’s ability to sustain such a hectic schedule, given the number of places he visits and the volume of activities he undertakes daily.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s need for adequate rest should not be interpreted as a sign of ill health, maintaining that the concern was primarily about physical exhaustion arising from his demanding schedule.
The party’s clarification comes amid public concerns over the presidential candidate’s health as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

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Soludo: Obi and I Remain Friends Despite Political Differences

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Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he and former governor Peter Obi remain close friends despite their political differences.

Soludo made the clarification during an interview with BBC News Igbo on Monday, where he addressed recent disagreements between his administration and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The governor said the relationship between their families remained cordial, stressing that their political disagreements had not affected their personal relationship.

“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms,” Soludo said.

He added that although they had different political interests, both men understood that politics should not define their personal relationship.

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“When it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” he added.

Soludo said Obi’s decision to support another candidate during the last Anambra governorship election did not affect their relationship, noting that he eventually secured victory.

“He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” he said.

Obi governed Anambra State for two terms between March 2006 and March 2014 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Soludo also disclosed that he personally invited Obi to join APGA in March 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election.

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According to him, the invitation was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with the broader objective of mobilising the Igbo people politically.

“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.

The governor, however, explained that he later withdrew his support for Obi’s presidential ambition because he believed his candidacy could weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and improve the electoral chances of President Bola Tinubu.

“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.

He further argued that even a united opposition might struggle to defeat an incumbent administration, noting that political alliances alone do not guarantee electoral victory.

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Soludo’s comments come amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over the state’s debt profile.

The controversy followed a September 14 statement by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who said the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano.

Obi rejected the claim, insisting that he left no outstanding debts when he left office. He also maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions or contractors and left N2.1 billion in the state’s ecological fund.

However, the state government subsequently disputed his account, alleging that Obi left $123.77 million in debt.

Amid the exchange, Obi said there was no personal disagreement between him and Soludo, adding that he and his wife were godparents to the governor’s children.

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Soludo’s latest remarks appear to reaffirm his position that the disagreement between them is political rather than personal.

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2027: Only God-Fearing Person Will Succeed Me as Bayelsa Governor – Diri

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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged politicians aspiring to succeed him in November 2027 to seek divine guidance, insisting that the state’s next governor must be a God-fearing person.
Diri made the call on Monday during the 15th State Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, where he said Bayelsa had been committed to God for spiritual guidance and protection.
With the November 2027 governorship election approaching, the governor advised prospective candidates to seek God’s approval, stressing that no individual could overturn a decision made by the Almighty.
“Only God-fearing persons will succeed me. Anybody who wants to be governor must go and seek the face of God. Anyone who wants to be governor must be God-fearing. If God says yes, nobody can say no, not even me,” he said.
The governor maintained that the state had been entrusted to God and that the Almighty would continue to have the final say in its affairs.
He also called on residents to embrace unity, tolerance and patience, describing peace and mutual understanding as essential to the state’s development.
Diri thanked the people of Bayelsa for their support over the past six years, expressing confidence in the state’s development prospects, which he attributed to its natural endowments and his administration’s commitment to transformation.
“Let us continue to worship God. Let us be tolerant and patient as we will become victorious at the end of the day. The Bible itself recognises that it is good to give thanks to the Lord. Today we came to say thank you, Father,” he said.
Reflecting on the state’s development, Diri said residents who had lived in Yenagoa for many years could attest to the changes recorded.
“As I keep saying, those of us who were born in Yenagoa or know Bayelsa of old can see the difference today. It is enough to give thanks,” he added.
He further noted that Bayelsa’s natural environment, coupled with political will, could drive development and improve the lives of residents.
“Dear people of Bayelsa, I thank you also for your support and for standing by this government,” he said.
In his sermon, the guest preacher and former Bayelsa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Very Rev. Joseph Opelema, urged Christians to combine their religious beliefs with responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the theme, “Called to be Good Christians and Good Citizens,” Opelema said Christians had responsibilities both to the church and the wider society.
Drawing from Matthew 22:15-22, which recounts Jesus’ response to questions about paying taxes, the cleric said the biblical instruction to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God underscored the importance of responsible citizenship.
He urged Christians, particularly those occupying public offices, to demonstrate sacrifice, prudence, accountability, justice, love, care and charity in their daily activities.
Opelema lamented that while many people attended church services, fewer consistently practised Christian values in their everyday lives. He called on believers to become the salt of the earth and the light of the world through their conduct and service to society.
The cleric also described Bayelsa as richly endowed with natural and human resources, favourable weather conditions, land and waterways, which he said could support its development as a tourism destination.
He expressed optimism that God-fearing leadership would help the state realise its potential.
Highlights of the thanksgiving service included the unveiling of a book titled Lively Oracle, containing scriptural declarations made by the governor during morning devotions, and musical performances by gospel artistes.
Those in attendance included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; as well as former deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), among other dignitaries.

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