Kinsmen of former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have reaffirmed their commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) despite the internal challenges currently facing the opposition party.

The Acting Chairman of the PDP in Bayelsa State, Mr. George Turnah, made this declaration during the party’s local government congress held in Ogbia town over the weekend.

Speaking in an interview, Turnah praised party members and supporters for their massive turnout at the event, which he described as carnival-like. According to him, the large gathering demonstrates that the PDP remains strong and active in Bayelsa State.

Turnah noted that the PDP played a crucial role in the political rise of an Ogbia son to the highest office in the country, stressing that the people of the area would not abandon the party in difficult times.

He also commended the orderly conduct of the congress in Ogbia, revealing that reports from across the state showed that the exercise was peaceful in all eight local government areas.

“I must commend the organisation of this congress; it has been peaceful. Reports reaching me indicate that the congresses held across the eight centres in the eight local government areas were conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner,” he said.

He further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for monitoring the congress in accordance with the law and also appreciated the delegates who travelled from the 105 wards to their respective local government headquarters to participate in the exercise.

Turnah emphasised that Ogbia people remain grateful to the PDP for the political opportunities the party has brought to the area over the years.

“This party has given Ogbia everything we could ask for politically. It produced a deputy governor, a governor, a vice president, an acting president, and eventually the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

He assured that the people of Ogbia would continue to stand firmly with the party, urging supporters across Bayelsa State to remain hopeful and steadfast.

Turnah also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a national leader of the party, for his efforts in ensuring that the PDP remains vibrant and effective as an opposition party.

He further praised the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, for maintaining a peaceful political environment that allows opposition parties to carry out their activities without hindrance.

According to him, the atmosphere in Bayelsa reflects political tolerance and should serve as an example for other states across the country.