Bayelsa Election: Jonathan’s Political Relevance Hangs

The Bayelsa state governorship election is holding today, December 5 and there are indications that its outcome will go a long way in determining the future political relevance of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan has been living a relatively quiet life after he was defeated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 28 presidential election.

According to those who have been observing the scenario in the state, the former president’s political relevance will depend on the success of Governor Seriake Dickson, his political godson, Vanguard reports.
The former president who is an indigene of Bayelsa state, from Ogbia council area endorsed Seriake Dickson, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a second tenure and he is expected to lead some other members of the party from his Otuoke ward to cast their votes.

The people of Ogbia are said to be divided over who to support, unlike in the past. This has been attributed to Jonathan’s alleged neglect of his people when he was president of the country.

While some are ready to support him and the PDP, others are ready to back the APC.

If PDP loses the Bayelsa election, it will be one defeat too many for Jonathan, who is still trying to recuperate from his defeat at the last presidential election.

Some are of the opinion that another defeat may spell doom for his status and personality and also signal the end of his domination in the political affairs of the state and indeed, the country.

Jonathan has since come to assume the role of a major power broker in the state and it is believed he has vowed to unleash his wealth of political experience to ensure that Dickson secures the governorship seat.

Addressing PDP supporters during a rally in the state last week, Jonathan described Bayelsa as a stronghold of the PDP even as he argued that Dickson had performed well and qualified to be given another chance.
Some staunch supporters of the party are however, confident that Dickson will be successful at today’s polls being that he has performed well in the areas of critical infrastructure and the education sector.