APC Stakeholders Hail Diri Over New Unity Secretariat As Alaibe Returns To Party
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State have commended Governor Douye Diri for inaugurating a new state party secretariat, describing the ultramodern facility as a symbol of unity and renewed commitment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor on Thursday commissioned the new APC secretariat in Yenagoa, describing it as the party's "Unity Secretariat" because it has, for the first time in many years, brought together key stakeholders under one roof.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting held shortly after the commissioning, the Bayelsa APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba, thanked Governor Diri on behalf of the party's leadership, members of the State Working Committee, and stakeholders for providing what he described as the best party secretariat in the country.
According to Ogoriba, the new complex will strengthen internal cohesion, improve party administration, and inspire members to work towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised Governor Diri's leadership, noting that his ability to unite members had repositioned the APC in Bayelsa for greater political success.
He expressed confidence that the party would record victories across the state, particularly in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, adding that the 2027 elections would usher in a new political order.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, expressed delight at being part of what he described as a united APC family in Bayelsa. He called on politicians in other parties to join the APC in moving the state and the country forward.
Other party leaders, including Senator Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama Constituency III in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, also lauded Governor Diri for fostering unity within the party and expressed optimism that the APC would emerge victorious across Bayelsa in 2027.
In his address, Governor Diri emphasised that the strength of the APC lies in unity and collective purpose. He commended aspirants who did not emerge victorious in the party's recent primaries but remained loyal, describing them as the true heroes of the party.
"I want to appeal that nobody should feel sidelined because nobody came to hijack the party. Those who did not succeed in the last primaries are the heroes of this party. There is no winner or loser; the only winner is the APC," he said.
The governor assured members of his commitment to inclusive leadership, stressing that political offices should be used to empower people and improve their lives rather than oppress them.
He urged party faithful awaiting appointments or other political opportunities to remain patient, assuring them that their loyalty would be rewarded in due course.
Governor Diri also described the new secretariat as the party's permanent home, where members could freely resolve issues and strengthen internal democracy.
He further applauded the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying they influenced his decision to join the APC, and appealed to Nigerians to remain patient as the benefits of the reforms would soon become evident.
In a goodwill message, former Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Timi Alaibe, formally announced his return to the APC and expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his leadership and developmental efforts in Bayelsa State.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governors Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Rt. Hon. Werinipere Seibarugu, and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); Senator Barigha-Amange; immediate past APC State Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio; members of the State Executive Council; and other party stalwarts.
