By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State has cleared several aspirants to contest in the party’s primaries for seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following the conclusion of its screening exercise.
The cleared aspirants, who were presented with certificates after the screening, include Engr. Manash Ayibapreye for Southern Ijaw Constituency III, Dr. Felix Boyle Dimaro for Ekeremor Constituency II, Temple Newman Dickson for Southern Ijaw Constituency II, Ebitimi Ogoriba for Brass Constituency II, Werinipre Iniedidie for Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency II, and former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Alalibo West, for Nembe Constituency III.
Speaking after the exercise, many of the aspirants described the screening and nomination process as peaceful, transparent, and devoid of rancour. They commended the party leadership, led by State Chairman Hon. Warman Ogoriba, for ensuring a fair and credible exercise.
Engr. Ayibapreye, an aspirant for Southern Ijaw Constituency III, praised the process for promoting openness and inclusiveness. He pledged to provide effective and people-oriented representation if elected, promising to sponsor legislation that would advance development in his constituency and across Bayelsa State.
Dr. Dimaro also lauded the exercise, describing it as fair and cordial. According to him, the transparent process has dispelled rumours of automatic tickets for preferred aspirants and provided a level playing field for all contestants.
Similarly, Werinipre Iniedidie, who is seeking to represent Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency II, urged party members to remain united and committed to the APC’s success in the 2027 general elections.
Ebitimi Ogoriba, popularly known as Senibo and an aspirant for Brass Constituency II, also expressed satisfaction with the screening, describing it as impartial and well conducted.
Former Nembe Local Government Chairman and ex-Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Alalibo West, said the exercise was one of the fairest in the party’s history.
“It has never been this fair. The leaders of the party have done well,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the APC would field strong candidates capable of winning all seats in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in 2027. He also appealed to aggrieved members to remain loyal to the party, noting that future opportunities would be available for all committed members.
