The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Duoye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the victor in the off-cycle gubernatorial election held in Bayelsa State on 11 November. This declaration marks Diri’s triumphant win as the incumbent governor, overcoming strong opposition from Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Diri’s successful reelection is not without its share of controversy, particularly in the handling of results from the Brass and Southern Ijaw local governments, which sparked agitation and unrest leading to a protest at the INEC office in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The final tally revealed Governor Diri securing 175,196 votes, while Sylva of the APC garnered 110,108 votes, solidifying Diri’s lead. Notably, a total of sixteen candidates vied for the governorship position in this closely-watched election.
