The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has ruled out an automatic governorship ticket for its state leader, Great Joshua MacIver, despite his declaration to contest the 2027 election.
The state chairman of the party, Hon. Alabh George Turnah, said the PDP would provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking its governorship ticket.
Turnah disclosed this during the first expanded meeting of heads of working committees in the state and the inauguration of the party’s Campaign Budget Committee.
While formally welcoming MacIver’s ambition, the chairman stressed that his declaration did not amount to an automatic nomination, urging other interested members to come forward and participate in the process.
“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,” Turnah said.
He said all qualified party members would be allowed to participate in the nomination process, irrespective of their political status or position within the party.
The development is expected to intensify consultations and internal mobilisation among PDP members interested in succeeding Governor Douye Diri in 2027.
Turnah also disclosed that MacIver had approved a monthly subvention of N70 million to support the administration and operations of the party in Bayelsa.
According to him, the financial intervention followed discussions on the party’s needs and would support its structures and officials from the ward to the state, national and zonal levels.
However, Turnah maintained that the financial support was separate from MacIver’s governorship ambition and would not influence the party’s nomination process.
He said the PDP would not allow the intervention to give MacIver an advantage over other aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
The chairman also announced that the party had completed the uploading of its candidates’ particulars on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
He said the particulars of the party’s National Assembly candidates had already been published, while those of its State House of Assembly candidates would be released shortly.
Turnah congratulated the candidates and expressed confidence that the PDP would retain its electoral strength in the state.
Beyond the 2027 governorship election, the party announced its decision to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in Bayelsa State.
Turnah directed members interested in contesting chairmanship and councillorship positions to commence consultations and utilise the party’s platform.
He also challenged the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to ensure that the elections are conducted freely, fairly and transparently.
The PDP chairman further announced the approval of a Women Prayer Network, which will initially comprise 100 women who will meet twice monthly.
According to the party, each participant will receive a monthly stipend of N10,000 as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures and increase women’s participation ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The party also fixed its 100th State Executive Committee meeting for October 2, 2026, to coincide with activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State.
Turnah commended the National Leader of the PDP and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his support for the party, saying his interventions had helped keep the PDP active and electorally prepared in Bayelsa.
The party subsequently passed votes of confidence and commendation on Wike, MacIver and Turnah for their contributions to the organisation and growth of the party.
