As the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11 approaches, Duoye Diri, the incumbent Bayelsa State Governor and a representative of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stressed the importance of acknowledging the potential challenges posed by the opposition, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Thursday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the party’s national campaign council for the governorship election, Governor Diri urged party leaders and members not to underestimate the threats presented by their opponents.
Governor Diri highlighted the positive impact of his administration over the past four years but cautioned against assuming victory without vigorous efforts. He emphasized that the election was not a guaranteed win for the PDP and compared the situation to a local saying, suggesting that disregarding the opposition, particularly the APC, would be unwise.
He elaborated, “The upcoming election is one that we believe we have a strong chance of winning. However, we must remember that when a blind man threatens to throw a stone at you, he is most likely standing on a stone. Therefore, we should not dismiss our opponents, especially the APC. This election in Bayelsa transcends party lines, and we must show openness to those who align with us.”
Governor Diri acknowledged the PDP’s popularity in the state but cautioned against complacency. He acknowledged that although the PDP holds a significant advantage, there’s no room to rest on laurels.
“While the situation on the ground is heavily in our favor, with an 80-20 advantage as many have attested, we must not take this for granted. Even if someone claims inevitable victory, we must recognize that they are standing on a precarious foundation. Our task is to ensure that this foundation is removed, which is all the PDP needs to do,” Governor Diri emphasized.
Discussing the potential influence of the APC’s governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, Governor Diri expressed confidence in the PDP’s capacity to secure victory, regardless of any intervention by the Federal Government.
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“I’m not convinced that the traditional ‘federal might’ that we’ve seen in the past will suffice for a candidate who has faced widespread rejection from the people. The Federal Government also upholds democratic principles; it will stand to uphold democracy. We are operating within a democratic system, and I am confident that with dedicated efforts, victory is within our grasp. The outcome is uncertain until it’s finalized,” Governor Diri asserted.
Kefas Agbu, the Chairman of the PDP Bayelsa State Governorship Election Campaign Council and the Governor of Taraba State, added his voice to the discourse, urging PDP members to wholeheartedly support Governor Diri’s re-election bid.
“Our gathering signifies not just the commencement of a critical political journey, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and the progress of our state, Bayelsa. At this pivotal juncture, we recognize the weight of our duty to the people of Bayelsa State as we strive to maintain our gubernatorial position and work towards envisioning a prosperous and inclusive future for all Bayelsa citizens.”
Arapaja, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP National Working Committee, echoed the sentiment, encouraging council members to persist in their efforts to retain Bayelsa as a PDP stronghold following the November 11 election.