By Our Correspondent

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has elected new leaders across its eight local government areas following peaceful congresses held over the weekend, as the party begins early mobilisation to reclaim political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The congresses, which took place across the state, were largely conducted through consensus arrangements that produced party executives at the local government level without major disputes.

Party stakeholders described the process as orderly and reflective of unity within the PDP’s structure in Bayelsa.

Speaking at the congress in Ogbia Local Government Area, the PDP caretaker chairman in the state, George Turnah, said the outcome demonstrated the continued loyalty of Bayelsa residents to the party.

Turnah noted that the PDP has historically produced influential leaders in the state and at the national level, including deputy governors and acting presidents.

According to him, the party’s grassroots strength remains intact despite political shifts in recent years.

He warned party members who defected to rival political parties that the PDP was intensifying efforts to regain its mandate in the state ahead of the 2027 general election and the 2028 off-cycle governorship poll.

“PDP is Bayelsa and Bayelsa is PDP,” Turnah said, adding that the strong turnout at the congress reflected the party’s deep grassroots support.

He expressed confidence that the party would reclaim Creek Haven, the seat of power in the state.

Turnah also praised Nyesom Wike for what he described as effective leadership within the party’s political structure, while commending Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri for maintaining a peaceful political environment that allows all parties to operate freely.

He further acknowledged the monitoring role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that delegates from all 105 wards across the state attended their respective local government headquarters to participate in the congresses.

The newly elected chairman of the PDP in Ogbia LGA, Ofoni Morgan, described Bayelsa as a traditional PDP stronghold and pledged to work with party members to restore the party’s dominance in the state.

He emphasised that the newly elected executives would prioritise unity, grassroots mobilisation, and strategic preparation for upcoming elections.

The successful completion of the congresses marks a key step in the PDP’s internal consolidation in Bayelsa, strengthening its organisational structure and positioning the party for future electoral contests.