…party hails process as aggrieved aspirant kicks
Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has concluded its primary election conducted around the state.
The exercise which was conducted through the direct primary voting system in all the wards across the state gave thousands of party members the opportunity to choose their preferred candidates.
In Bayelsa East Senatorial District, the incumbent Senator representing the district, Bishop Degi Eremienyo defeated Hon. Sodaguo Omoni Festus with 43,433 votes to emerge the winner.
Hon. Wilson Ayakpo defeated Hon. Robinson Etolor to clinch the Bayelsa West Senatorial District ticket. Ayakpo polled a total of 23,187 votes against Etolor who scored 2,142 votes.
In Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, pioneer Chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe scored 38,532 votes to defeat Mrs. Julie Donli Okay who scored 4,003 votes.
Hon. Preye Influence Osake, Hon. Israel Sunny Goli and Hon. Micheal Bless Olomu emerged flag bearers for Southern Ijaw, Brass/Nembe and Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituencies respectively.
Hon. Ebipadei Fekemowei and Hon. Paul Orubo clinched the Yenagoa and Ogbia Federal Constituencies ticket.
At the constituency level, Hon. Omubo Agala, Hon. Martins Also and Hon. Oberiakuma Yousuo emerged candidates for Brass Constituency 2, 1 and 3.
In Ekeremor Constituency 1, 2 and 3, Hon. Dumbo Yokoro, Hon. Kennedy Olorogun and Hon. Alfred Akamu clinched the party’s ticket.
Smith Duabofa and Isowo Priebi Cross won the Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1 and two seats respectively.
In Nembe constituencies 1, 2 and 3, Steadfast Kenneth, Edward Irigha and Douglas Sampson emerged winners.
Chief Ebiango Egein emerged the winner for the Ogbia Constituency 1 seat, while Obein Godknows and Okrinya Allen clinched the constituency 2 and 3 tickets.
Ebizimor Romeo, Highlife Peremobowei and Eyi Excel won the Sagbama Constituency 1, 2 and 3 tickets respectively.
In Southern Ijaw, Ebiede Christian, Andy Zighadina, Goans Woke and Selekeye Victor emerged flag bearers for constituencies 1, 2, 3 and 4.
In Yenagoa, Ogbara Benjamin, Steven Izontimi and Wenibo Jotex emerged as candidates for constituencies 1, 2 and 3.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo in a statement has commended aspirants, candidates and members of the party for their peaceful conduct during the election.
“The primaries were the easier part in the electioneering process. The big challenge is to win the main election, and APC in Bayelsa State is determined to win all the elections in this 2023 circle, ”he said.
Speaking with our reporter, an aspirant who craved anonymity decried high level of irregularities in the election.
According to the source, “APC Bayelsa is not female-friendly because some aspirants that came up were women that can win elections for the party.
“And is a blow to the party that not even one female emerged as a Candidate. To me is a sad one.”
