By Emmanuel Olugua
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has given his blessings to candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) seeking elective offices in Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, while urging politicians to ensure peaceful campaigns and elections across Bayelsa State.
Jonathan spoke when a high-powered delegation of APC leaders visited his residence in Yenagoa to formally present the party’s candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The delegation was led by former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd.), and included the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Weri Ogoriba.
Presenting the candidates, Jonah appealed to the former president and other stakeholders in the senatorial district to support them, describing the flagbearers as experienced and credible politicians capable of providing effective representation.
He said the candidates possessed the competence to defend the interests of their constituents, attract development to their communities, and contribute to the overall progress of Bayelsa State.
Among those presented to Jonathan was Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, the APC candidate for Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
The party’s House of Representatives candidates were Hon. Jonathan Robinson Obuebite, PhD, for Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency and Barr. Jude Amidator Rex-Ogbuku for Ogbia Federal Constituency.
Nine APC candidates seeking election to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly were also introduced.
For Nembe, they are Hon. Oteigbanyo George Braah for Constituency 1, Hon. Edward Brigidi Irigha for Constituency 2 and Hon. Alalibo West for Constituency 3.
The Brass candidates are Hon. Daniel Charles for Constituency 1, Hon. Timi Agala for Constituency 2 and Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere for Constituency 3.
In Ogbia, Jonathan’s home local government area, the candidates are Chief Ebiango Okoba Egain for Constituency 1, Hon. Godknows Obein for Constituency 2 and Chief Gabriel Michael Ogbara for Constituency 3.
Responding, Jonathan acknowledged the experience and records of the candidates, saying he was familiar with virtually all of them and could attest to their capacity based on their previous performances in public service.
The former president subsequently offered the candidates his blessings and urged them to see politics principally as an avenue for service rather than a contest for power.
He charged them to remain focused on the welfare of their constituents, pursue meaningful development and fulfil the promises they make to voters during the campaign.
Jonathan also used the occasion to appeal for peace as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged political leaders, candidates and other stakeholders in Bayelsa to promote unity and cooperation, stressing that political competition should not undermine the peace required for the state’s development.
Jonathan further emphasised that the ultimate purpose of political leadership should be to improve the lives of the people, urging those seeking public office to place development and the interests of their constituents above personal or partisan considerations.
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