…welcomes Maciver’s governorship bid, rules out automatic ticket
From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, has reaffirmed its readiness for the forthcoming 2027 elections, with State Chairman, Hon. Chief Alabh George Turnah, MON, Esq., assuring party members and Bayelsans of a fully prepared and increasingly strengthened political structure.
Speaking at the 1st Expanded Meeting of heads of Working Committees in the State and inauguration of the Campaign Budget Committee of the Party, Turnah confirmed that all PDP candidates have been successfully uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, with particulars of the Party’s National Assembly candidates already published. He disclosed that the particulars of the State House of Assembly candidates would be published shortly.
Turnah congratulated the candidates and expressed confidence that the Party would secure victory at the polls, while commending Party members for their commitment and sacrifice.
The Chairman also welcomed the governorship ambition of the Leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State, His Excellency Great Joshua MacIver, following his formal declaration of interest.
Describing the PDP as a platform open to every qualified and well-meaning Bayelsan, Turnah said the Party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants, irrespective of status or background.
“Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. Now that MacIver has taken this bold step, we want to see more people coming forward who also want to contest the governorship position.”
A major highlight was Turnah’s disclosure that MacIver had approved a N70 million monthly subvention to support the administration and operations of the Party in the State.
According to him, the intervention followed earlier discussions on the Party’s critical needs, and would support Party structures and the welfare of officials from the ward to State levels, as well as national, zonal and other support personnel.
He stressed that the financial support was separate from MacIver’s governorship ambition, noting that the Party would remain neutral and committed to a credible process for all aspirants.
The Bayelsa PDP Chairman also expressed appreciation to the PDP National Leader, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his continued support and leadership, which he said had contributed significantly to keeping the PDP alive and electorally prepared.
Turnah informed the meeting of the Party’s resolve to participate in the forthcoming Local Government elections in Bayelsa State, calling on members interested in Chairmanship and Councillorship positions to come forward and utilise the PDP platform. He directed intending aspirants to begin Consultations.
He also called on the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to ensure that the elections are free, fair, transparent and credible.
Meanwhile, the Party has fixed its 100th State Executive Committee meeting for October 2, 2026, to also commemorate Bayelsa State at 30.
The PDP also approved the commencement of its Women Prayer Network, beginning with 100 women who will meet twice monthly, with each participant receiving a N10,000 monthly stipend.
Another major highlight of the meeting was the unanimous passage of votes of confidence and commendation on the National Leader of the Party, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; the Bayelsa State Leader, His Excellency Great Joshua MacIver; and the State Chairman, Hon. Chief Alabh George Turnah, MON, Esq., in recognition of their continued support, commitment and leadership in strengthening the Party.
The Party acknowledged their respective contributions towards keeping the PDP alive, united, firmly rooted and strategically positioned for the forthcoming electoral contests, while expressing confidence in their continued leadership and commitment to the growth.
