- Notable figures like Henry Seriake Dickson and Heineken Lokpobiri are conspicuously absent from their parties’ rallies in Bayelsa State, raising concerns about party alliances
- Their absence may impact the morale of supporters and fuel speculation about potential rifts within the PDP and APC
In Bayelsa State, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are witnessing the growing chasm within their ranks, as prominent party members have been conspicuously absent from their respective candidates’ rallies for the upcoming November 11 gubernatorial election.
Notable figures like former Governor and current Senator Henry Seriake Dickson from the PDP and Minister of Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri from the APC have not publicly supported their party’s candidates. Their absence has raised concerns and speculation about the state of their alliances.
For the PDP, the absence of Dickson, the political godfather of the incumbent Governor Douye Diri, has led to speculation about a rift between them. Although Dickson denied any discord, his absence from the party’s rallies has fueled further rumors.
On the other hand, the APC is facing challenges as some of its prominent members, including Lokpobiri and former close allies of the APC candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, are noticeably absent from Sylva’s campaigns. Lokpobiri reportedly had a falling out with Sylva during the 2019 governorship primary, and David Lyon, another former ally of Sylva, has distanced himself from the party since losing the primary.
APC supporters have expressed concerns about Lokpobiri’s close ties with Governor Diri of the PDP, fearing it may harm the APC’s chances in the upcoming election.
While the absence of key party members may not directly affect the one-man-one-vote principle in the election, it could create an impression of a rift between the candidates and their prominent chieftains, potentially affecting the morale of their supporters.
In response, Lokpobiri dismissed claims of an alliance with the PDP government and attributed such insinuations to individuals who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart.