Bayelsa Council Polls: Anxiety Grips Politicians as Election Date Approaches

Strategic Insights -

Tensions are running high among politicians in Bayelsa as the state's electoral commission has set May 14 as the date for the council polls. The polls are being conducted shortly after the tenure of the incumbent council chairmen expires to ensure that there are elected chairmen in place to serve as delegates in the primary elections to be conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The election will cover the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Councillors in all eight local government areas in the state. This development marks a significant departure from the traditional practice of caretaker chairmen in Bayelsa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bayelsa Electoral Commission has fixed May 14 as the date for the council polls.
  • The polls are being conducted to ensure that elected council chairmen serve as delegates in the primary elections to be conducted by the PDP in the state.
  • Elections will hold for the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Councillors in all eight local government areas in the state.
  • The conduct of the polls is in compliance with the provision of section 53 of the Bayelsa State Local Government Law 2002, and section 25 (2) of the Electoral Act.
  • A notice for the commencement of activities was served on February 11, 2022, with the collection of Forms 001 and 002 by political parties scheduled for February 21st to March 2, 2022.
  • Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will take place between March 8th and 14th, while campaign activities will start from March 23rd and end on May 12, 2022.
  • This marks the first time in Bayelsa's history that a governor, Douye Diri, will conduct a local government election where serving council chairmen will handover to incoming chairmen instead of caretaker arrangements.

Statistics:

  • May 14: The date fixed for the council polls in Bayelsa.
  • February 11, 2022: The date when the notice for the commencement of activities was served.
  • February 21st - March 2, 2022: The period when Forms 001 and 002 are to be collected by political parties.
  • March 8th - 14th: The period when party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, are to take place.
  • March 23rd - May 12, 2022: The period when campaign activities will start and end.
  • 8 local government areas: The areas where elections will be held for the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Councillors.

Sources:

  • Bayelsa State Local Government Law 2002
  • Electoral Act 2010
  • Official statement by the Bayelsa Electoral Commission, signed by Mr. Ball Oyarade, Chairman of the state electoral body.