2027: It’s Ekeremor’s Turn to Produce Bayelsa West Senator, Says Obriki

2027: It’s Ekeremor’s Turn to Produce Bayelsa West Senator, Says Obriki

…Applauds Diri’s defection to APC, berates Dickson over remarks

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Dr. Sylbriks Obriki, has declared that the next Senator to represent Bayelsa West Senatorial District in 2027 must, as a matter of equity and fairness, come from Ekeremor Local Government Area.

Obriki made the declaration at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, arguing that the Sagbama axis of the district had occupied the Senate seat for two decades in the Fourth Republic, while Ekeremor had only held it for eight years.

“For the past 20 years in this Fourth Republic, the Sagbama axis has occupied that position for a solid 20 years, while we in Ekeremor have only had it for eight. It is therefore our turn by every sense of justice and balance,” he said.

The APC stalwart commended Governor Douye Diri for his recent defection to the ruling party, describing the move as a strategic and selfless decision aimed at attracting greater federal presence and investment to Bayelsa State.

“Governor Diri’s defection was not about personal ambition. It was a selfless act to open doors for federal collaboration and development. He has always shown humility, inclusiveness, and an understanding of what his people need,” Obriki stated.

He noted that Diri’s leadership style has earned him widespread acceptance beyond party lines, adding that his defection ceremony witnessed massive attendance from across the Ijaw nation.
“All members of the Ijaw Nation; from Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Delta, were represented at his defection. The enthusiasm showed that Diri is a unifying figure who commands respect across ethnic and political boundaries,” Obriki said.

On the governor’s reason for leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obriki explained that Diri had always sought stronger federal collaboration to drive key infrastructure projects such as the Brass Road and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he said would greatly benefit the Ijaw people.

“The Federal Government’s renewed partnership with Bayelsa will be more robust now that Diri is in the APC. It is wiser to cooperate with the centre than to confront it,” he maintained.

Turning to former Governor and current Senator, Seriake Dickson, Obriki dismissed his criticism of Diri’s defection, saying the former governor was free to hold contrary views but could not alter the political reality on the ground.

“If Dickson is not on the same page with Diri, he’s on his own. The people of Bayelsa are with Diri. He consulted widely before his decision, and the people believe that being part of the Federal Government will benefit the state more,” he said.

On the zoning arrangement in Bayelsa West, Obriki restated that the senatorial seat had long rotated between Sagbama and Ekeremor, noting that Dickson himself once endorsed a two-term agreement between both local governments.

“It was Dickson who presided over the meeting where it was agreed that both Sagbama and Ekeremor would take turns for two terms each. By 2027, Sagbama would have done 20 years, so it is only fair that Ekeremor takes its turn again,” he explained.

Obriki also alleged that Dickson’s previous electoral successes were largely due to the goodwill and support he enjoyed from leaders such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Diri.

“Goodluck Jonathan helped him to become a member of the House of Representatives and later governor. Diri also supported his senatorial bid. Now that we are in different parties, let him test his real strength,” he said.

He vowed that the people of Ekeremor would mobilise massively to ensure that the senatorial position returns to their area in 2027.

“We are ready to organize ourselves and work with our allies to ensure that the 2027 senatorial seat comes back to Ekeremor. We pray Dickson does not defect to the APC because we are prepared to face him in the field,” Obriki added.