Diri Backs Direct Primaries Where Consensus Fails

By Preye Bagou, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that the mode of conduct of selecting candidates for the forthcoming general elections under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, will be direct primaries where there are no consensus candidates.

Governor Diri, who made this known during a state executive council meeting in government house Yenagoa on Wednesday, said the process will be guided by fairness, internal democracy, zoning arrangements and the overall interest of the party in the state.

The governor stated that direct primaries would be adopted in areas where political stakeholders fail to agree on consensus candidates, stressing that no aspirant would be denied the opportunity to test his or her popularity within the party structure according to the directive of the party national working committee.

Governor Diri made the clarification amid growing political activities and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various aspirants continue to intensify consultations and political campaigns across the state.

According to him, the party remains committed to maintaining peace and unity while ensuring that all contestants are treated fairly in accordance with laid down rules, protocols and democratic principles.

The governor further explained that first-term members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly would be considered for second-term opportunities in constituencies where there are no existing zoning arrangements or agreements preventing such return bids.

He noted that the decision was informed by the need to encourage continuity, reward performance and strengthen legislative experience within the state assembly.

“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 the conduct of direct primaries,” Diri stated.

The state helmsman emphasized that politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair, but as a platform for service to the people of the state, and cautioned politicians, supporters and stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the process.

He specifically warned against acts capable of overheating the polity, including insults, blackmail, intimidation and public attacks against fellow aspirants within the same political party or opposition aspirants.

Governor Diri called on all political actors to respect the protocols and rules guiding the electoral process, insisting that healthy competition must be driven by ideas, credibility and capacity rather than bitterness and unnecessary hostility or violence.

He stressed that aspirants should focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions that could divide party members or create tension within communities, wards, constituencies or local government areas in the state.

The governor also reiterated the importance of respecting zoning arrangements in areas where such agreements already exist, saying zoning remains a vital instrument for political inclusion, fairness and stability in Bayelsa State politics.

Political observers believe the governor’s position is aimed at balancing internal party interests while preventing crisis ahead of the primaries–as the party prepare towards the general elections.

Analysts says the adoption of direct primaries in the absence of consensus could provide equal opportunities for aspirants and deepen internal democracy within the party structure.

The governor’s remarks have continued to generate reactions across political circles in Bayelsa State, with many stakeholders commending his appeal for peaceful conduct and adherence to democratic norms and principles.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, political leaders and supporters are expected to intensify consultations and alignments across the state, while party leaderships work towards ensuring transparent and credible primaries.

~ Hot News Reporters
Thursday 7, May, 2026