PDP’S Douye Diri receives Certificate of Return as Bayelsa Governor

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued Certificates of Return to the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Diri polled 175,196 to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, who garnered 110,108 votes while the Labour Party polled 905 votes in the November 11 election.

Presenting the certificate of return to the PDP candidate, Governor Douye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo the INEC National Commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, stated that the ceremony was a statutory fulfillment of section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which must be done within 14 days after the declaration of a winner.

Governor Diri and Senator Ewhrudjakpo, the candidates of the PDP, emerged winners of the November 11, governorship election in Bayelsa State and were presented the certificate of return at the Professor Mahmood Yakubu Media Center at the State INEC headquarters in Yenagoa.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mr. Obo Effanga said the issuance of the certificate of return to the winners brings to an end the 2023 Governorship election in Bayelsa, stating that the Commission provided a level playing field for all parties and candidates.

Shortly after receiving the certificate of return, Governor Douye Diri commended INEC for its professionalism and impartiality during and after the election.

He called for the prosecution of those who perpetrate and incite violence during the electioneering process, regretting the killing of a youth at the INEC collation center at Twon-Brass

Governor Diri who also thanked security agencies for maintaining law and order during the polls, and President Bola Tinubu for providing a level playing ground for all, promised that he would use his second term to serve the people and fast track the development of the State.