Ahead of next year’s general election, the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State has intensified internal reforms and expanded grassroots mobilisation across communities in the state.
The renewed push was unveiled at the party’s 99th State Executive Committee meeting held on Saturday in Yenagoa, where key decisions were taken to strengthen party structure and improve participation at all levels.
Central to the reforms is the adoption of direct primaries for candidate selection, a move party leaders say will deepen internal democracy and give members greater influence in determining who flies the party’s flag.
The SEC also approved the constitution of a reconciliation committee aimed at addressing internal grievances and consolidating unity within the party, despite assurances that there are no factions in the state chapter.
In a further push to expand its base, the party said it has intensified its e-registration and revalidation exercise across wards and local government areas, describing the process as critical to building a stronger and more inclusive membership structure.
The meeting also ratified the nomination of Joshua MacIver to the party’s Board of Trustees, following his return from the All Progressives Congress, in what is seen as part of efforts to reintegrate key stakeholders.
The state chairman, George Turnah, said the PDP is fully prepared to reclaim its mandate, urging members to step up mobilisation efforts at the grassroots.
“We have also started the e-registration process. We are working constantly and vigorously to ensure that people get registered. We have seen all the assurances from our leaders that the PDP is ready.
“We are also preparing, as SEC has approved our preparation for primaries. It is going to be direct primaries, which will require mass mobilization of our people. The idea is that once candidates emerge from the people, it will be as good as winning the election,” he said.
Turnah stressed that unity remains key to the party’s success, insisting that the PDP in Bayelsa is cohesive and focused despite recent political developments.
“There are no divisions and no factions. Only four months ago, we had our state congress, and INEC monitored the process. The party is united, but it is important that we remain a united force.”
Speaking after his formal reception, MacIver called for a shift in leadership approach, noting that the state’s challenges stem more from governance issues than lack of resources.
“Our biggest problem in Bayelsa is about leadership, not that we don’t have the resources. We have the resources to develop this state to any level we want, but the biggest problem is greed,” he said.
He said the PDP still has strong support among the people of Bayelsa, especially at the grassroots, and played down worries over recent political changes, stressing that the party remains very strong.
MacIver also commended Turnah for his leadership, courage, and sacrifices in keeping the party together during difficult times, promising his full support and hinting that many members will soon return to the party.
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