Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa Faces Criticism from Defected Party Leaders

In the heat of Bayelsa's gubernatorial election, Labour Party (LP) candidate Engr. Udengs Eradiri faces criticism from six Local Government Area party chairmen who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The chairmen, Super Kworkwor, Ifiemi Ilahnyog, Clinton Naru Emesua, Tamuno Deifugha, Warri Moses, and Appi Ebierelayefa Stephen, accused Eradiri of refusing to inaugurate a campaign council, instead appointing a two-man campaign structure. They also accused him of insulting and rejecting their advice to participate in campaign activities.

Key Takeaways:

• The six Local Government Area party chairmen defected to the PDP, citing Eradiri's alleged refusal to inaugurate a campaign council and his refusal to heed their advice.
• The defectors accused Eradiri of being petty, fault-finding, quick-tempered, impatient, and argumentative, and said he does not believe in the party's leadership.
• Eradiri responded by saying the defectors are betrayers who trade on parochial gains and that he is focused on addressing Bayelsa's problems.
• The governorship candidate said he is confident of victory despite the defections and that he has been consistent in advocating for a non-violent process.
• Eradiri criticized Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri for his alleged incompetence and said he is prepared to provide needed leadership for the state.

Statistics:

• Six Local Government Area party chairmen defected to the PDP.
• N30 million was allegedly collected by an Obi supporter group who gathered in the morning.
• There is no drinking water in any part of Bayelsa State.

Sources:

• [Press conference with newsmen recently]
• [Statement by the six Local Government Party Chairmen in Yenagoa]