The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the people of Bayelsa for the successful conclusion of the governorship election in the state.


 
The Acting National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, in a statement on Monday, saluted the people of the state for standing against intimidation, rigging and violence to ensure that their will, as a people, prevailed in Saturday’s supplementary election.

He said: “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”.

“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,” he said.

The party further stated that, “rising from what happened in Bayelsa State on Saturday, 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.

“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 also decried “the desperation of 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.”

The PDP also congratulated Governor Dickson for what it called his well-deserved victory and statesmanly handling of the situation in the face of provocations.