Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called for issue-based and respectful political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election, urging supporters of President Bola Tinubu to persuade voters rather than treat political opponents as enemies.
Diri spoke in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, following the 195th State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, and the flag-off of the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement’s campaign for President Tinubu’s second term.
The governor urged members of the movement to uphold democratic values by engaging Nigerians with persuasive messages and respecting divergent political opinions.
“The purpose of our gathering today is to restate without equivocation our unflinching loyalty to the re-election of President Tinubu and to flag off the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement.
“While we hold the firm conviction that the South South people and Nigerians will vote for Mr. President, we must not sit down. We are all students of politics, and politics is a game of numbers. Victory is not by accident.
“Even outside Nigeria, people move from door to door and that is why this movement is democratic. Democracy is about plurality of decisions. Do not make those who hold different opinions as enemies. Wherever you go and people disagree with you, try to convince them. Do not see them as enemies.
“As a region, we are one people and must all work together to achive the aim of this movement. Mr President is a democrat and he has proved it time and again even during my second tenure election when I was in the opposition and most recently in Osun State. Let me congratulate my brother the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
“I charge the leadership of the PBAT Movement to be inclusive and persuasive in your engagements. Let our campaigns be issue-based. The Renewed Hope Agenda is work in progress to make Nigeria better.
“Our message to the South South and the country is to give Mr. President a second term to consolidate on his achivements. The South-South zone is critical in project Nigeria.
“Let me acknowledge my dear brother, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, who is giving back. He is our proud son and brother of this zone. I acknowledge his contributions to the re-election bid of Mr. President.”
Diri expressed confidence that the South-South region and Nigerians would support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its achievements and continue its development agenda.
He also commended High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, grand patron of the PBAT Door to Door Movement, for backing the initiative and acknowledged his contributions to the President’s re-election campaign.
The governor further cited Tinubu’s conduct during his second-term governorship election in Bayelsa in November 2023 and the recent Osun State governorship election as evidence of the President’s democratic credentials. He congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory.
Chairman of the event, Chief Lambert Ototo, said Tinubu had performed well and would achieve more if returned to office.
The South-South Coordinator of the PBAT Door to Door Movement, Pastor Reuben Wilson, thanked the state coordinators and other members for contributing to the success of the event. He said the movement was established by Ekpemupolo to mobilise support for Tinubu, citing federal appointments and development projects in the region.
Speaking for the state coordinators, Bayelsa State Coordinator Hon. Daniel Charles said the South-South was united behind Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, also pledged the region’s support, urging members and coordinators of the movement to intensify their mobilisation efforts until the President secures re-election.
