Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Threatens Immediate Dismissal for Appointees Engaged in 2027 Campaigning
YENAGOA, Nigeria – April 30, 2025
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has issued a zero-tolerance warning to political appointees engaging in premature politicking for the 2027 general elections, threatening immediate dismissal for violations. The governor’s directive came during the 162nd State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa, where he emphasized strict adherence to governance priorities over electioneering.
Key Directives and Legal Basis
- Immediate Dismissal:
- Any appointee found discussing 2027 elections publicly or on social media will face termination.
- “Going forward, any political appointee that goes on air to talk about 2027 politics will be sacked,” Diri stated.
- INEC Compliance:
- Diri stressed alignment with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timelines, which have not yet released guidelines for the 2027 polls.
- “This is the time for governance, not politics. Follow INEC’s guidelines,” he added.
Governor’s Statements
- On Premature Campaigning:
- “Elections are in 2027, but some act as if they are God. They don’t even know if they will see 2027. I am not praying for anyone’s death”.
- “If you want to heat up the polity, resign. Engaging in 2027 campaigns now is a distraction we cannot afford”.
- Social Media Ban:
- Appointees posting campaign-related content on social media will face consequences: “Consider yourselves on notice”.
Context and Reactions
- Administration Priorities:
- Diri reiterated focus on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security, warning that early politicking undermines these goals.
- He urged non-appointees to pursue “economic activities that bring development” instead of premature campaigns.
- Youth Leaders’ Warning:
- The Concerned Youths of Bayelsa State criticized the pro-Wike group NEW Associates for “sowing disunity” during a recent rally, urging restraint to maintain peace.
- The group warned against actions “painting the state in a negative light” and destabilizing Governor Diri’s administration.
Political Implications
- Party Discipline:
- The move aims to curb factionalism within the ruling party, particularly amid rising tensions linked to NEW Associates’ pro-Tinubu/Wike activities.
- Broader Trend:
- Reflects growing concerns about early politicking across Nigeria, often tied to intra-party conflicts and resource diversion.
- Legal experts note that while INEC’s timetable governs campaigns, enforcement against appointees remains a state-level prerogative.
