From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

 Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has picked the nomination to seek re-election as governor of Bayelsa State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A reliable source said one of the several support groups canvassing for Diri to run for second term had purchased the governorship forms for the governor.

 Findings indicated that Diri as a mark of respect has informed his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of his intention to seek re-election.

“Governor Douye Diri as a mark of respect during the birthday celebration of former governor and now Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson in Abuja, told the latter of his intention to seek re-election,” a source said.

A principal officer in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and a close associate of the governor who pleaded anonymity also confirmed that nomination form has been picked for the governor.

“Yes he has picked the governorship form,” the lawmaker said.

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 Barring any last minute surprises, Diri is expected to run for the ticket of the PDP unopposed as there is nobody willing to challenge him for the ticket.

According to the 2023 gubernatorial primary election/ candidate nomination time-table for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi released by the leadership of the PDP indicated that the sales of expression of interest and nomination forms commenced on January 16 and ended on January 31.

 The time-table stated that the last day for the submission of expression of interest and nomination was on February 6 while screening of aspirants is slated for February 13 at the national secretariat.

 Recently a Bayelsa based non-government organisation, Ward 2 Ward 4 Diri/ Law 2023 had raised N28.4 million for the re-election bid of Diri, threatening to drag him to court if he refuses to contest.

 Several support groups backing Diri’ re-election said the governor should run for consolidation and continuity.  

 During the Yuletide season, Diri had dropped the hint for his re-election bid when he declared that he was going to seek re-election with his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.