The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Bayelsa State don approve ₦20 million for the renovation and construction of the palace of the traditional ruler of Elebele Community, the hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan, as political calculations ahead of the 2028 governorship election begin gather momentum.
The announcement come from Bayelsa PDP Chairman, George Turnah, during a reception organised to welcome former APC bigwig, Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” and his supporters back into the PDP fold.
According to Turnah, PDP leaders recently visit Elebele community and discover say the condition of the traditional ruler’s palace no represent the importance and status of the community.
As a result, the party quickly approve ₦20 million and direct say work should start immediately instead of waiting until election campaign season.
“We no go wait until election period before we do the right thing. We see the palace condition and we agree say e no fit the status of Elebele community,” Turnah talk.
The PDP chairman explain say the project na part of the party’s commitment to appreciate communities wey don remain loyal to PDP over the years.
According to am, Elebele na one of the biggest and politically active communities for Ogbia Local Government Area, but the community no always get the political recognition wey e deserve.
He claim say na PDP help several sons and daughters of the community enter important government positions.
Among the achievements wey he mention, PDP produced the first Secretary of Ogbia Local Government from Elebele, PDP helped elect the community’s representative into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. The representative later become Chief Whip, Other indigenes also receive key government appointments.
Turnah assure residents say the palace project no go be the last development initiative for the community.
According to am, once electioneering activities officially begin, more projects and programmes go follow.
He however stress say the gathering no be campaign rally but simply a homecoming ceremony for Claudius and his supporters wey return to PDP.
“This no be campaign. We just dey welcome our brother and im supporters back home,” he explain.
The Bayelsa PDP chairman express confidence say the party still get the structure, experience and grassroots support needed to return to the Government House in 2028.
He insist say PDP remain one of the strongest political forces for the state despite recent political movements and defections.
Also speaking at the event, PDP leader Great Joshua Maciver urge party members to remain united and continue grassroots mobilisation.
According to am, the party still get enough strength and experience to reclaim major elective positions across Bayelsa State.
Maciver also praise Turnah for keeping party members together despite political challenges and realignments.
Former APC chieftain, Gabriel Claudius (“One Million Man”), also pledge to work with im supporters to strengthen PDP ahead of future elections.
He assure party leaders say he and his followers go do everything possible to help PDP secure victory in coming elections.
The event attract several PDP leaders, National Assembly candidates, House of Assembly candidates and supporters from different parts of Bayelsa State.
