The member representing Bayelsa central senatorial district and Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship aspirant, Douye Diri, who was backed by Governor Seriaki Dickson emerged winner of the September 3 party primary.
-eWorldnews had reported that governor Dickson was backing Diri to be the flag-bearer of the PDP with hope that when he wins the November 16 election, the senator would choose another senator, Ewhrudjakpo Lawrence, who is from Dickson’s senatorial zone Bayelsa West, as his deputy. Once Lawrence vacates his senatorial seat, the governor would then fill the vacant position.
The plan is that the vacant position of Bayelsa Central, vacated by Diri would also be filled by another Dickson loyalists in line with the deal.
Diri clinched the party’s ticket after scoring the highest votes of 561 to beat his closest contender Ndutimi Alaibe who scored 365 votes.
Timi was followed by Okoko Keniebi, who scored 142 votes and deputy governor, John Jonah came fourth with 62 votes.
Diri would face the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the November 16 election.
The PDP governorship primary was keenly contested by the twenty one aspirants cleared by the party’s national working committee.
The process started late into the night with a total number of 1,308 registered delegates, out of which 1,244 delegates were accredited and took part in the election.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan was the first to cast his ballot alongside delegates from Ogbia council area, followed by Governor Seriake Dickson who led delegates from Sagbama area
The returning officer, Taraba state Governor Darius Ishaku after the duly contested process, declared Senator Douye Diri winner after scoring the highest number of 561 votes cast in the September third primary.
Jubilation rocked the air as supporters celebrate the emergence of Senator Douye Diri as the PDP substantive flag bearer. The Senator, who had asked all contestants to accept the result of the lection before the process took place, however promised to work harmoniously with all members of the party to win the November 16 poll.
The PDP flag bearer is therefore expected to contest the Bayelsa state Governorship election alongside other party candidates come November 16, 2019.
