Governor Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been announced as the winner of the November 11, 2023, gubernatorial polls. Diri won after the results of the last local government, Southern Ijaw was announced.
Diri won six local government areas to win re-election while his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won two local government areas.
After the result of Southern Ijaw was declared, the margin between Diri and his closest challenger, Timipre Sylva, climbed to 65,088. Diri polled a total of 175,196 votes while Sylva trailed with 110,108 votes.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are putting finishing touches to the exercise at the collation centre in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The election was held on November 11, 2023, and was largely peaceful. However, there were some reports of violence and intimidation in some parts of the state.
Diri’s victory is seen as a boost for the PDP, which has been in power in Bayelsa State since 2015. The APC had hoped to win back the state, but Sylva’s defeat is a blow to the party’s ambitions.
Diri has pledged to continue working on his development agenda for Bayelsa State. He has promised to improve infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the economy.