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Dickson Not Electable, Bayelsa Group Study Shows

A socio-political group, the Bayelsa Democracy and Development Initiative (BDDI), told newsmen in Yenagoa on Tuesday that according to its research, the incumbent Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson is not a viable candidate for reelection.

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A socio-political group, the Bayelsa Democracy and Development Initiative (BDDI), told newsmen in Yenagoa on Tuesday that according to its research, the incumbent Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson is not a viable candidate for reelection.

The group, coordinated by the former Chief Press Secretary to Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the State, Dr. Konrad Welson, stated that the Peoples Democratic Party might lose the governorship poll if it went ahead with presenting Dickson as its candidate.

BDDI said that its position was informed by field research and surveys the group conducted recently in the state. The research focused on people from urban and rural areas, and included men, women, students, workers, professional bodies, and youths to arrive at its position.

"We conducted field research and a survey with the findings showing that a good percentage of people of the state are not favorably disposed to the re-election bid of the state governor,” the group said. "The state of affairs is as a result of what the people perceive as a failure to live up to the expectations of the people in electing Dickson  in 2011, coupled with his hostile and divisive leadership style and that being the flag bearer of the PDP may lead to the loss of the party in the state.

The group also noted that its interface with the political class and civil society organizations in the last three months revealed alleged deep seated disdain and disappointment in the quality of leadership offered by Dickson. It cited the acrimony in the PDP and the inability of the state government to offer basic amenities such as roads, hospitals, and potable water in the state after three and a half years in power.

Attempts to reach Mr. Dickson’s spokesman were unsuccessful, but a government source who asked for anonymity said that “Responding to the claim will amount to dignifying Konrad Welson.” The source continued, “It is the government's position that we do not react to such a statement.”

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