The Peoples Democratic Party has hailed the people of Bayelsa State for their support in ensuring that their will prevailed during Saturday’s supplementary poll.
PDP candidate and incumbent governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, was declared winner of the election on Sunday after he defeated his closest challenger, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress.
The opposition party saluted Bayelsans for ‘standing against intimidation, rigging and violence’.
The party disclosed its position in a statement put out by the acting national chairman, Uche Secondus, on Monday.
“The steadfastness and resilience shown by the people, particularly in Southern Ijaw will go down in history as one of the many sacrifices made to defend democracy in the land”
“It is very clear that the APC-led Federal Government under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari is not disposed to free, fair and credible electoral process in the country despite being a huge beneficiary of PDP’s electoral reform.
“However, by standing against intimidation and remaining resilient, the people have greatly contributed in deepening democracy in the country and by so doing ensuring that their own destiny is right in their own hands.
“Bayelsa is a core PDP state and one wonders how APC thought it could win in this gubernatorial election with its discredited candidate, knowing the strength and popularity of our great party in the state, in addition to the record of achievements of our candidate, Governor Seriake Dickson.
“The PDP however decries the desperation of the APC whose thugs and compromised security operatives openly engaged in violence resulting in the killing and maiming of innocent Bayelsans. We hereby demand a comprehensive inquest into these killings and that all perpetrators be brought to book.
“Finally, the PDP congratulates Governor Dickson for his well-deserved victory and statesmanly handling of the situation in the face of provocations,” he said.
