Bayelsa PDP and APC Disagree on Diri's Support for Tinubu

The Bayelsa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief George Turnah, has claimed that Governor Douye Diri is not actively supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election for the 2027 general election.

Turnah’s claim has led to a political argument in the state. The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Warman Weri Ogoriba, dismissed Turnah’s statement. He said Diri is among those leading the campaign for the President’s re-election.

Turnah spoke while addressing party members about the political situation in Bayelsa at the party secretariat on Friday. He questioned the governor’s loyalty to Tinubu’s political plans. He also raised concerns about the governor’s alleged backing for the City Boys Movement, a group that supports the President.

He stated, “Those claiming to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election should be asked to demonstrate what they have done to show their commitment.

“When the President inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, was Governor Douye Diri there?

“When the President and the APC kicked off their presidential campaign in Kaduna, was Governor Diri there?

“In Bayelsa State, is there anything to show that Governor Diri has visited communities or taken part in activities to show support for the President’s re-election?

“Is there any billboard put up by the APC government in Bayelsa State to show support for President Tinubu? There is none.

“Have they set up any campaign council for President Tinubu in Bayelsa State? Let us not deceive ourselves. They are not supporting him.

“We are the ones, the PDP, who are supporting President Tinubu’s re-election,” he said.

In response to the allegations, Ogoriba called Turnah’s claims baseless. He insisted that the governor has shown support for Tinubu through his actions and public activities.

Ogoriba said, “It is laughable that anyone could think that Governor Diri was not backing the re-election bid of President Tinubu, as his actions and statements prove he is at the forefront of the campaign for the President’s re-election.”

The APC chairman also rejected Turnah’s claims that Diri was not supporting the City Boys Movement in Bayelsa. He stated that the governor has supported the group in many ways, including attending its events.

He challenged Turnah’s understanding of the support group’s activities, insisting that Turnah’s allegations do not reflect reality in the state.

Ogoriba urged Bayelsans to ignore Turnah’s remarks, calling them attempts to stir unnecessary political tension.

This disagreement comes as political parties are preparing for the 2027 general election. The level of support for Tinubu in Bayelsa is becoming a topic of political discussion.

Turnah’s claims and Ogoriba’s response show different political views, with neither side providing clear evidence of the governor’s involvement in the President’s re-election campaign.