Formal Adoption of Presidential Candidate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has formally adopted President Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the National Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The adoption followed the presentation of a memo at a joint meeting of the expanded State Caucus and the party’s 100th State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting. The gathering was held at the PDP secretariat in Yenagoa.
During the same session, the meeting ratified a separate memo passing a vote of confidence in Chief Nyesom Wike. The recognition cited Wike’s leadership in rescuing and preserving the PDP as an opposition party. Wike serves as the national leader of the Rainbow Coalition and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Leadership Commendations and Criticism
Chief George Alabh Turnah, the Bayelsa State PDP Chairman and leader of the Rainbow Coalition, commended party members for remaining resolute in their support for the party. He specifically praised Wike for his role in preserving the PDP.
Turnah stated that God had used Wike to save the party from those who wanted to destroy it. He expressed gratitude that God preserved the party at both the state and national levels through Wike’s help, noting that some members had chosen to bury the party instead.
Economic and Infrastructure Allegations
Turnah criticized the Bayelsa State Government for poor economic performance during his remarks. He alleged a shortage of drugs and medical personnel at primary healthcare centers in the state.
He accused the administration of failing to fulfill its promise of prosperity. Turnah lamented the condition of farmers in the state due to a lack of government support.
The party chairman also noted that fish ponds established by the former administration of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson have been abandoned. He criticized the Bayelsa Stadium project, urging Governor Douye Diri’s administration to prioritize unemployment, poverty, and social services instead.
Call for Electoral Support
Turnah urged residents to vote for Rainbow Coalition candidates ahead of the 2027 elections. He claimed the group presented credible and competent candidates who would restore prosperity to the state.