After several weeks of electioneering, the main day for the off-cycle gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa is here.
The Herald understands that the people of Bayelsa State will go to the polls today to elect a new governor – or keep the current one; Governor Duoye Diri who is seeking a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Voters’ Strength Across LGAs/ INEC Update On Number Of Voters
Bayelsa State has eight local government areas including Brass, Ekeremo, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw, and Yenagoa.
The total number of registered voters for the governorship election is 1,056,862, according to the electoral body, INEC. The commission said 1,017,613 registered voters have collected their PVCs ahead of the election while 39,249 PVCs were not collected.
Contenders For Bayelsa State Governorship Election
A total of 16 candidates are jostling for the topmost position in the oil-rich state.
The Herald understands that Bayelsa State poses an interesting governorship contest due to the presence of an incumbent governor seeking re-election and a former governor seeking a return to office.
Governor Duoye Diri is seeking a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Timipre Sylva wants to get a last term on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Both candidates are strong and expected to make a considerable showing in the race.
The Labour Party fielded Eradiri Udengmobofa as its flag bearer.
Two of the 16 governorship candidates (12.5 per cent) running in Saturday’s election are women.
Oguara Nengimonyo, 41, is the candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), while 37-year-old Ogege Mercy is the candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP). Both have SSCE as the highest academic qualification, according to information obtained from the electoral body INEC.
Idikio Jones is the candidate of the Accord Party, Bufumoh Alex is of the Action Alliance (AA), and Kalango Davies is running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) put its bet on Subiri Joseph, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has its weight behind Osharikeni Saturday, and the Boot Party (BP) settled for 41-year-old Ben Magbodo.
The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is Azebi Ayabeke while Micah Akeems is the candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
In the same vein, Ozato Erepadei is the flagbearer of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
Osuluku Binaleyefa, 42, a senior lawyer, is the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has Simeon Karrioru as its candidate.
As the 16 candidates get set to test their popularity on Saturday, The Herald can report that the contest is primarily expected to be a two-horse race between Governor Diri and former Governor Sylva of the APC.
The PDP in Bayelsa has a stronghold in the federal legislature. All three senators and five representatives are from the party and it is largely expected to maintain a decent showing in the coming election.
BayelsaDecides2023: Bayelsa Election Live Update
Electoral Officer abducted in Bayelsa State – INEC
PRESS RELEASE
Boat with 12 Election Personnel Capsizes in Southern Ijaw, SPO Abducted in Sagbama pic.twitter.com/SqTt9JtBhv
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) November 10, 2023