The results of just concluded primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa state were unfavourable to Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and a former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as they were two of the biggest losers.
One of the aspirants, Alaibe widely believed to be Jonathan’s candidate could not clinch the party’s ticket inspite of the former president being the first people to cast his vote at the primaries.
Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly and alleged political son of Governor Seriake Dickson, Duoye Diri defeated Alaibe.
Political observers believe that Diri’s victory in the shadow election has further strengthened Governor Dickson’s grip on the party’s machinery in the state.
In fact, Jonathan has been quiet since the emergence of Diri and has yet to congratulate the PDP candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
Alaibe, who was upbeat during the primary, showed a lot of strength but felt betrayed by delegates who had assured him of their votes in the poll that was characterised by vote buying.
The former NDDC boss, who came second, has since issued a statement lamenting his defeat and unfulfilled dreams. He, however, vowed to continue pressing forward in his quest to govern the state.