The State Working Committee (SWC) and other stakeholders in Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), at the weekend, adopted direct primaries as the method of electing candidates for the general elections.
The decision on mode of primaries was taken at a well-attended stakeholders’ meeting presided over by a former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
The stakeholders said they settled for direct primaries to allow for cohesion and an all-inclusive participation by members.
A former Acting Governor, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu, moved the motion for adoption of direct primaries, which was seconded by a former Government House Chief of Staff, Chief Samuel Ogbuku.
In his speech, Sylva noted that the APC will sweep the polls.
He insisted that with the quality of aspirants in the APC, the party is already ahead of the PDP at the polls.
“For me l see the harvest of victories. The time for harvest is near”, he said adding that the APC is stronger and more united.
Following his request, Sylva was made the director-general of the state and national legislature campaigns in the 105 wards.
Lokpobiri hailed party leaders and supporters for voting for the direct primaries.
“The direct primaries was adopted to give sense of belonging and it will not allow some persons to hijack the party for personal gains”, he said.
Lokpobiri also said that by the decision, the Bayelsa chapter had shown their willingness to align with the centre.
He said the party would win all 24 seats in the House of Assembly and National Assembly.
Lokpobiri declared that the people are begging for help, adding that they are hungry and desperate for freedom.
He said: “When they complaints and cries come, I answered them. They were reaping what they deserved by voting for the wrong person and party. But now, the suffering is enough.
“The people of Bayelsa have suffered enough. The next election will be used to send a message that this is the time for our people. To me if we select the right candidate, we will win the State House of assemblies and National Assembly seats.