Former President Goodluck Jonathan has thrown his support behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting the 2027 elections in Bayelsa East Senatorial District. The endorsement came when a delegation led by former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, visited Jonathan at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The delegation included key APC officials and aimed to formally introduce the candidates to Jonathan, a prominent leader from the district.
The visit was an opportunity for the APC to seek Jonathan's blessing and support for their candidates. Jonah appealed to Jonathan and other stakeholders to back the candidates, citing their capacity, experience, and character as reasons they were suitable for the various positions. The candidates presented to Jonathan included Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli for the Bayelsa East Senatorial District seat, Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite for the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, and Barr. Jude Amidator Rex-Ogbuku for the Ogbia Federal Constituency.
In addition to the federal constituencies, the APC also presented candidates for various seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. These included Hon. Oteigbanyo George Braah for Nembe Constituency 1, Hon. Edward Brigidi Irigha for Nembe Constituency 2, and Hon. Alalibo West for Nembe Constituency 3. Others were Hon. Daniel Charles for Brass Constituency 1, Hon. Timi Agala for Brass Constituency 2, and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere for Brass Constituency 3.
Jonathan acknowledged the quality of the APC candidates, noting that virtually all of them had the capacity, performance, and experience required for their respective positions. He gave the candidates his blessings and encouraged them to remain committed to serving the people if they secure victory at the polls. Jonathan also advised the candidates to view politics as an opportunity to improve society rather than merely as a contest for political positions.
The former president urged the candidates to use their positions, if elected, to attract meaningful development to their respective constituencies and contribute to the wider progress of Bayelsa State. He also called on the candidates and other political stakeholders in the state to preserve peace, unity, and cooperation, stressing that maintaining peace and oneness among the people remained crucial to the continued development of Bayelsa.
Jonathan's endorsement of the APC candidates comes amid recent political developments surrounding the 2027 presidential race. In August, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki submitted Jonathan's name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as its presidential candidate. However, INEC rejected the nomination, citing the need for submissions to be made through its designated electronic platform.
The development highlights the ongoing political activities in Nigeria as the 2027 general elections approach. With Jonathan's support, the APC candidates in Bayelsa East Senatorial District will likely face a competitive election. The outcome will be closely watched as it may have implications for the state's political landscape.
Key points
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan has endorsed the APC candidates for the 2027 elections in Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
- The endorsed candidates include Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, and Barr. Jude Amidator Rex-Ogbuku.
- Jonathan advised the candidates to prioritize serving the people and contributing to the development of Bayelsa State if elected.
