Diri urges issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027 polls

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has called for issue-based campaigns devoid of personal attacks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Diri urged politicians and their supporters to focus on substantive matters rather than resorting to animosity.

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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.

Governor Diri made these remarks during the flag-off of the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement, a political group actively mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu's second-term bid. He stressed the importance of democratic principles, stating that democracy thrives on a plurality of opinions. Diri encouraged members of the movement to emulate President Tinubu's approach by persuading Nigerians with divergent political views, rather than treating them as adversaries.

"Democracy is about plurality of decisions. Do not make those who hold different opinions your enemies. Wherever you go and people disagree with you, try to convince them. Do not see them as enemies," Diri stated. He expressed confidence in the South-South region's support for Tinubu, highlighting the need for another term to consolidate the administration's achievements. The governor also acknowledged High Chief Government Ekpemupolo for his role in mobilizing support for the president.

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Democracy is about plurality of decisions. Do not make those who hold different opinions your enemies. Wherever you go and people disagree with you, try to convince them. Do not see them as enemies.

Additionally, Governor Diri congratulated his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, on his recent election victory. He cited President Tinubu's commitment to democracy, referencing his support during Diri's own re-election campaign when the governor was in the opposition, and events surrounding the Osun election as evidence of this democratic disposition.

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I charge the leadership of the PBAT Movement to be inclusive and persuasive in your engagements. Let our campaigns be issue-based. The Renewed Hope Agenda is work in progress to make Nigeria better.