Bayelsa PDP holds state congress, as Turnah emerges chairman

2026-03-16 - 04:17

...Party opens new secretariat By Emem Idio, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, in Bayelsa State has elected George Turnah as its new state chairman. Turnah emerged through a consensus arrangement during the Bayelsa State PDP elective congress held at the party’s new secretariat on Yenagoa, the state capital weekend. The congress also featured the inauguration of a new state secretariat as well as the swearing-in of ward, local government and state executives of the party. The event marked the end of the tenure of the caretaker committee led by Turnah, which had managed the affairs of the party in the state following the dissolution of the previous State Working Committee in April 2025. Speaking during the commissioning of the new secretariat, Turnah said the caretaker committee was able to stabilise the party despite challenges, adding that the committee worked together to keep the party united during the transition period. Hos words: “To have the honour and privilege of commissioning this edifice as the new State Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State. “For about a year and a few months, the burden of leadership fell squarely on our shoulders. I, myself, and members of my committee, the Caretaker Committee, put in place to manage the affairs of this party in Bayelsa State following the dissolution of the immediate past State Working Committee by relevant organs of our party. “We did hit the ground running and working together collectively as a team and with almighty God on our side, we’ve been able to steer the ship of this party from that day we were appointed and inaugurated till this very day.” Turnah noted that the congress marked the final day of the caretaker committee in office and thanked party leaders and members for their support during the period. He equally appreciated the leadership of the party at the national and zonal levels for their support and also acknowledged the role played by the national leader of the party, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. “We also want to thank the national leadership of our party, ably led by His Excellency Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, our National Chairman and National Secretary Distinguished Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and indeed all members of the National Technical Working Committee of our great party for the support given to us that has enabled us to succeed in carrying out our assignment. “I again and on behalf this time around of the teaming members of the PDP in Bayelsa State and indeed all Bayelsans to say a big thank you to the National Leader of the PDP, His Excellency Chief Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, POS Africa, for all his support, for his leadership and everything he has continued to give for the survival of this party,” he added Shortly after the commissioning, the caretaker committee was formally dissolved following a motion moved by the Zonal Ex-Officio, Thompson Kuro, and seconded by Sunny Igoli, a national member of the party. Executive members from the three senatorial districts, Bayelsa East, Bayelsa West and Bayelsa Central, were earlier elected through consensus before the final affirmation of the state executive committee. Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel for the Bayelsa State Congress, Hon. Austine Sor, conducted the process that produced Turnah as chairman and then asked the delegates to affirm the candidate. He said, “I want to say, this is Chief George Turnah, the candidate, let me put it that, for the position of the State Chairman of the People Democratic Party in Bayelsa State. “He is standing in this position now to contest this election, and this election is by consensus. So, delegates that are here, I want to put this question through. “If you are in favour that Chief George Turnah M.O.N. to be affirmed as the State Party Chairman of PDP in Bayelsa State, say aye... Those against, say no. The ayes have it.” In his acceptance speech, Turnah thanked party leaders, delegates and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the new executive and promised to run an inclusive and open administration for the party. Hos words:“I’d like to accept this mandate on behalf of my team, members of the newly elected State Working Committee and myself, to say we are delighted we take this mandate as a sacred mandate of our people, given to us freely, and we will not betray this confidence that you have all imposed in us. I assure you it is a new dawn for PDP in Bayelsa State.” Turnah also dismissed suggestions that the PDP had become an opposition party in the state while expressing confidence that the party would regain political dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. “Don’t be deceived by what seems to look like, or what seems to suggest like PDP is now an opposition party in Bayelsa. That is theoretical. What is practical is that PDP is the majority party in Bayelsa State. “Come 2027, PDP under our leadership will not only make strong statements, but we will also deliver to the expectations of the world. This secretariat is open to all. “Activities have commenced from this moment. I assure you of our loyalty. I assure you of our commitment. I assure you that we will run an open-door administration for this party.” Other members of the newly elected state executive include Tony Gabriel as deputy chairman, Ato Alfreder Ebibofayei as secretary, Mietokikumo Opuofoni as assistant secretary, Biobelemoye Igoninwari as treasurer, Abrakasa Ebiegberi as assistant treasurer, and Erempagamo Eke-Spiff as financial secretary. Others are Amgbare Fulpower as assistant financial secretary, Godspower Toruyokotie as organising secretary, Ogbeintari Okere as assistant organising secretary, Ikaebimo Mark as publicity secretary and Smart Gboribie as assistant publicity secretary. Also elected were Awudumapu Agorodi as legal adviser, Effort Kai as assistant legal adviser, Sola Yoko Amain as auditor, Dimaro Fidelix Enakpotari as assistant auditor, Nicholas Eferebo as youth leader, Azikwe Isau as assistant youth leader, Evelyn Bolouebi Odi as woman leader and Wolisi Kosioma as assistant woman leader.