By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering more development projects to Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, declaring that the community would continue to benefit from its longstanding support for the party.
The assurance was given by the Bayelsa State Chairman of the PDP, George Alabh Turnah during a reception organised at the weekend during a reception to welcome a prominent APC member popularly known as “One Million Man,” Comrade Gabriel Claudius, and his supporters back to the PDP.
Addressing a tumultuous and unprecedented crowd at the event alongside party leader Great Joshua Maciver and other PDP chieftains, Turner described the defection as further proof of the PDP’s dominance in Bayelsa.
“Today has shown that Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. We are here to receive One Million Man and his supporters back to their party. With this crowd, it is confirmed that Elebele is for the PDP,” he said.
Turnah thanked the people of Elebele and Ogbia Ward 8 for their loyalty to the party, assuring them that the PDP would continue to reward their support with meaningful development.
He noted that although Elebele has one of the largest and most politically active populations in Ogbia, the community had for years received limited political recognition until the PDP began appointing its sons and daughters into key positions.
According to him, the party facilitated the emergence of Elebele’s first Secretary of the Ogbia Local Government Area, secured the election of a member representing the area in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who later became Chief Whip, and appointed several indigenes into strategic positions.
The PDP chairman also announced an immediate intervention to build a befitting palace for the traditional ruler of Elebele after party leaders observed the poor condition of the existing palace during a courtesy visit.
He disclosed that the party had already approved ₦20 million for the project, stressing that construction would commence immediately rather than waiting until after the next election.
“We are not going to wait until after the election. We have seen the condition of the palace and it is not befitting of Elebele. Our leaders have already provided ₦20 million, and work will commence immediately,” Turnah stated.
While insisting that the event was not a campaign rally, Turnah hinted that the PDP would unveil additional development plans for the community when electioneering officially begins.
He also expressed confidence that the PDP would restore prosperity to Bayelsa, promising that the party’s agenda for economic growth, youth empowerment and community development would be unveiled at the appropriate time.
He also used the opportunity to reiterate the hunger and poverty the APC led government has inflicted on Bayelsans,as the centre for youth Development and Centre for women Development should give out the numbers of Youth and Women had empowered since their inauguration ” Statistics from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranks as number 2 poor state in Nigeria”
In his remarks, PDP leader Great Joshua Maciver declared that the Bayelsa PDP chairman would lead the party to victory in the 2028 governorship election, expressing confidence that the PDP would return to Government House.
Maciver urged party faithful to remain committed and prepare for the political contest ahead, describing politics as requiring determination, hard work and sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He assured PDP candidates that the party possessed the capacity, structure and experience to secure victories in key National Assembly and State Assembly seats across Bayelsa.
Maciver singled out Ogbia Constituency III as one of the constituencies the PDP was determined to reclaim, urging the party’s House of Assembly candidate to remain focused and fearless.
He also commended Turner for keeping the PDP united and vibrant despite political realignments in the state, describing him as a courageous and steadfast leader deserving of the party’s full support.
Earlier, Comrade Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” pledged to work tirelessly with his supporters to strengthen the PDP and ensure the party records victories in future elections, including reclaiming Government House.
The event was attended by PDP candidates for the National Assembly, party leaders and supporters from across Bayelsa State.
Others at the event are Joseph Ateki Boabofa, PDP candidate for Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp PDP candidate Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Erepamo Richard Akinaka PDP candidate Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Marlon Linton Ebi-Eredei PDP candidate Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, Highlife Humphrey Peremobowei PDP candidate Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Elvis Bourdillon Doukemezuo PDP candidate Yenagoa/Kolokuma Opokuma Federal Constituency, Christopher Ebinimi Peters PDP candidate Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency,Oruanye Kopuamologi Daniel PDP candidate Ogbia Federal Constituency.
