The anticipated Ward Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 9, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, failed to hold on Thursday February 18th amid reports of stiff resistance and lack of participation across the ward.
Ward 9, which comprises the four communities of Amorukeni, Kolo 1, Kolo 2 and Kolo 3, collectively known as the Kolo federated communities and serving as the headquarters of Ogbia Constituency III, witnessed no official congress activities within its geographical boundaries.
Party sources and residents disclosed that instead of holding the congress in any of the designated communities within Ward 9, Party leaders and faithful of Ogbia WARD 9 yesterday mobilized themselves to a privately owned oil mill facility in Elebele town, Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State following stiff opposition and hostility to APC by indigenes and locals of the 3 federated Kolo Communities following what credible sources have described as outright rejection of the Party and its leaders in Ogbia Ward 9, home town and political ward of the leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State, George Turnah, MON.
Observers described the development as unusual, noting that Elebele does not fall within the administrative boundaries of Ward 9. Critics within the party have questioned the legitimacy of any outcome arising from a meeting convened outside the ward, insisting that no recognized ward congress took place in Kolo or any of the federated communities.
Credible sources further alleged that the situation may be connected to what they described as widespread rejection of the APC in Ward 9.
Reports indicate that the recent membership registration exercise of the party recorded minimal participation across the Kolo communities, with many residents reportedly declining to enlist.
Political analysts in the area attribute the development to the entrenched influence and popularity of Barr. George Turnah, MON, a prominent chieftain and leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State. Turnah is widely regarded as a leading political figure in Bayelsa State, commanding significant grassroots support across communities.
These developments are not unconnected with the popularity and support enjoyed by George Turnah across the 4 communities making up Ogbia Ward 9.
As of press time, there has been no official clarification from the APC at the state level regarding the status of the Ward 9 congress or the legality of the meeting reportedly held in Elebele.
The unfolding events have intensified political discourse in Ogbia LGA, with stakeholders calling for transparency, adherence to party guidelines, and respect for established ward boundaries in the conduct of internal party processes.
Further developments are expected as party authorities review the situation.
