Bayelsa PDP rules out automatic ticket, welcomes MacIver’s 2027 governorship bid

Bayelsa PDP rules out automatic ticket, welcomes MacIver’s 2027 governorship bidThe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa has reaffirmed its readiness for the 2027 general elections, saying all its candidates have been uploaded on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.The State Chairman, Chief George Turnah, MON, said this at the party’s first expanded meeting of heads of working committees in Yenagoa on Saturday.Turnah also said particulars of the party’s National Assembly candidates had been published, while those of the State House of Assembly candidates would be published shortly.He congratulated the candidates and expressed confidence that the PDP would secure victory in the 2027 elections.The chairman said the party welcomed the governorship ambition of its Bayelsa leader, Joshua MacIver, following his formal declaration of interest.Turnah, however, ruled out an automatic governorship ticket for MacIver, saying the PDP would provide a level playing field for all qualified aspirants.“Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. Now that MacIver has taken this bold step, we want to see more people coming forward,” he said.He said the party remained open to every qualified and well-meaning Bayelsan, irrespective of status or background.Turnah disclosed that MacIver had approved a monthly N70 million subvention for the administration and operations of the party in the state.According to him, the intervention followed earlier discussions on the party’s critical needs and would support its structures and officials from ward to state levels.He said the support would also cover national, zonal and other personnel supporting the party’s activities.The chairman emphadised that the financial support was separate from MacIver’s governorship ambition and would not influence the party’s nomination process.He assured aspirants that the PDP would remain neutral and committed to a credible process.Turnah also commended the PDP National Leader, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his support and leadership.He said Wike’s contributions had helped sustain the party and strengthen its preparations for future elections.The chairman announced the party’s decision to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in Bayelsa.He urged members interested in chairmanship and councillorship positions to come forward and begin consultations ahead of the polls.Turnah also appealed to the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC) to ensure free, fair, transparent and credible local government elections.The chairman made the remarks while inaugurating the party’s Campaign Budget Committee during the expanded meeting.He announced that the party’s 100th State Executive Committee meeting would hold on Oct. 2, 2026.According to him, the meeting will also commemorate Bayelsa State’s 30th anniversary.The PDP also approved the commencement of its Women Prayer Network, beginning with 100 women who will meet twice monthly.Each participant in the programme is expected to receive a monthly stipend of N10,000.The meeting passed votes of confidence and commendation on Wike, MacIver and Turnah for their contributions to the growth and strengthening of the party.The party said the resolutions reflected its commitment to internal organisation, inclusivity, welfare and electoral preparedness ahead of forthcoming political contests.