Diri breaks silence on primaries, cautions aspirants

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has spoken out amid mounting political tension over the selection of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the 2027 elections.

The development follows growing disquiet across the state over the outcome of screening committees set up in the eight local government areas to produce consensus candidates for endorsement by Diri and the party leadership.

Addressing the issue during a State Executive Council meeting, Diri urged politicians to pursue their ambitions within the law as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.

He also warned against overheating the polity, stressing that politics should be about service to the people and not self-aggrandisement.

While assuring aspirants that none would be shut out, the governor called for respect for the zoning principle where applicable.

He said that in line with the directive of the APC leadership, the party would conduct direct primaries wherever consensus could not be reached.

“We are in the political season, and I like the way it is going because nobody is forcing anyone.

“For some obvious reasons, such as zoning, we spoke to some people and advised that where you have, for instance, a House of Assembly member who has served just a term, he should be allowed to return, except otherwise. If there is no consensus, the party has directed that we have direct primaries.

“I call on politicians to exercise restraint and pursue their ambitions based on existing rules and within the ambit of the law.”