Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stated he is not interested in being a running mate to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, Diri dismissed the suggestion from a group named “Diri Angels,” which had sarcastically proposed him as Atiku’s running mate.
Response to Speculation
Atiku Abubakar, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. The Diri Angels group expressed hope that Atiku would emerge as the PDP candidate again in 2027.
However, Alabrah clarified that Diri viewed this suggestion as a “Greek gift” from political jobbers and urged it to be disregarded.
Diri’s Political Stance
Diri emphasized that his political journey is guided by God, and he is not influenced by advocacy inconsistent with his principles. He remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Bayelsa State, a mandate he received first in 2019 and reaffirmed in the November 11, 2023, election.
He urged Bayelsans not to be distracted by political maneuvers aimed at causing confusion, asserting his commitment to the state’s development and well-being.
Commitment to Bayelsa State
Diri stated, “I remain committed to the mandate given to me by the Bayelsa people and I’m single-mindedly focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to them. My administration will not be distracted by those who do not mean well for our state.”