From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, swept its primaries in Ekeremor/ Sagbama Local Government Areas on Friday, affirming Peter Obi for president, Seriake Dickson for Bayelsa West Senate, and Selekebina Saboh for Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in three voice votes.
Brig. Gen. Minemu Abel, retired, handled the process as electoral officer with Barrister Osom Makbere as returning officer. INEC officials were present.
Abel explained the format upfront: all three positions had single aspirants, so delegates would move motions for affirmation. “We are affirming because in the primaries for the presidential we have only His Excellency Peter Obi as the only aspirant,” he told delegates.
Hon. Salo Adikumor moved to affirm Obi, seconded by Barr. O.D. Olorogu. Chief Dr. Suru Oyarede, moved for Dickson, seconded by Chief Oyinkuro Benjamin. Elder Prince Epebifiye moved for Saboh, seconded by Chief Victor Okubonanabo.
Each motion carried with a loud “aye” vote. Makbere then returned all three. “Based on your overwhelming affirmation, I hereby declare His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi as the winner,” he said of the presidential ticket. He issued similar declarations for Dickson and Saboh
Speaking for the trio, Saboh called Dickson the “progenitor of the NDC” and “the only living ancestor,” describing him as a “son of Tarakiri” who had become a national figure. He thanked delegates and INEC, then made a direct pitch to voters.
“We are going to bring the dividend of democracy to the doorsteps of every living individual of the constituency. We are not going to disappoint the electorates,” Sabo said.
He promised what he called a “plateau of projects” for Sagbama and Ekeremor. “Uncountable projects, numerous projects to the constituency. So that by tomorrow if we are to come and ask for election for second tenure, our projects will attest to the fact that we have done well,” he said.
Saboh also thanked Dickson, “the national leader of NDC,”
The NDC is presenting Obi as its 2027 presidential flagbearer, Dickson for a return to the Senate, and Saboh for the House of Representatives.
