Bayelsa gov seeks unity, respect for opponents

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has called on politicians to foster a more respectful and issue-driven political landscape as campaigns commence for the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the flag-off of the second-term bid support movement for President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, Diri urged politicians to respect their opponents and ensure campaigns focus on substantive issues.

Governor Diri encouraged politicians to emulate President Tinubu, whom he described as a democrat. He advocated for a persuasive approach rather than a combative one when engaging with those holding different opinions, emphasizing that democracy thrives on the plurality of views. Diri expressed confidence that the South-South geopolitical zone and Nigerians at large will re-elect President Tinubu, citing the president's efforts in laying a solid foundation for Nigeria's development.

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The purpose of our gathering today is to restate without equivocation our unflinching loyalty to the re-election of President Tinubu and to flag off the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement.

He praised High Chief Government Ekpemupolo for initiating the "PBAT Door to Door Movement," stressing that President Tinubu deserves a second term to consolidate his achievements. Diri recalled Tinubu's role in ensuring free and fair elections, both in his own second-term governorship bid in November 2023 and in the recent Osun State governorship election, underscoring the president's democratic credentials.

Diri also congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his recent electoral victory. He urged the leadership of the PBAT Movement to be inclusive and persuasive in their engagements, reminding them that victory in politics, a "game of numbers," requires diligent effort. "Do not make those who hold different opinions as enemies," Diri advised. "Wherever you go, and people disagree with you, try to convince them."

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Do not make those who hold different opinions as enemies. Wherever you go, and people disagree with you, try to convince them.