For observers of political events, the governorship election in Bayelsa State is not just about ambition but also that of political survival and dominance of the riverine state.
Bayelsa is an unusual state. It is 100 per cent riverine, sits squarely on the delta, and is one of the few fairly homogeneous states in the country.
Politics in the state is said to revolve more around individuals than on the political party they belong to.
Interestingly, the November 11 governorship election is also considered as more of a flexing of political muscle and battle for political survival between the incumbent, Senator Douye Diri and former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Pundits are of the view that the contest will not only be fierce but also intriguing.
The state is important to the economic well-being of the nation and houses many strategic economic infrastructures, a reason the Bayelsa election is considered crucial to the country.
It will be the off-season election along with those of Kogi and Imo states. They will be the first elections to be held under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Thus, how these elections are handled will set the tone for what to expect in future polls.
In Bayelsa State, the governorship contest is a three-horse race among the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP; main opposition All Progressives Congress, APC; and the Labour Party, LP.
