Senator Emmanuel Paulker, a three-time Senator representing Bayelsa Central, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He made this declaration when he received members of the State Working Committee and other party leaders at his residence in Yenagoa. Paulker, who represented Bayelsa Central between 2007 and 2019, assured party members of his commitment to the party's resurgence.
Paulker emphasized that he has not left the PDP since 1998 and has no intention of doing so. He commended the state chairman, Hon. Chief Alabh George Turnah, for his leadership and assured him of his total commitment and support. Paulker urged the party leadership to remain united, focused, and to pursue reconciliation despite internal challenges.
The Senator expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger and bounce back to power in the state. He enjoined leaders and members to remain committed to the party's success, stressing that all big names in Bayelsa politics started their politics from the PDP. Turnah described Paulker as a founding pillar of the PDP in Bayelsa, acknowledging his contributions to the party and the state's political development.
Turnah noted that Paulker's experience, wisdom, and guidance have remained a source of inspiration and strength to the current leadership of the Party in the State. The party leadership has resolved to transfer full responsibility for the campaigns of its National Assembly candidates to the candidates themselves. This decision was taken at the regular meeting of the State Working Committee held on Thursday, 12th November 2026.
The party leadership will now concentrate its efforts on the statewide campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the National Rainbow Coalition arrangement. This decision is in accordance with the directive of the party's national leader, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, issued in consultation with the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Consequently, all National Assembly candidates are directed to take complete charge of their respective campaigns and to intensify community-to-community engagements across the state. The candidates are advised to proceed independently with their campaigns, as most have already been doing. The party will, however, remain available to offer guidance and support whenever any National Assembly candidate seeks such assistance.
The development is a boost to the party's efforts to regain power in the state. With Paulker's loyalty and the party's renewed focus on the National Assembly campaigns, the PDP is expected to put up a strong fight in the upcoming elections. The party's decision to prioritize Tinubu's re-election also underscores its commitment to national politics.
Key points
- The party leadership has transferred full responsibility for National Assembly campaigns to the candidates themselves.
- Senator Paulker has reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, vowing not to leave the party.
- The PDP will prioritize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election under the National Rainbow Coalition arrangement.
