The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Duoye Diri, the winner of the 11 November off-cycle guber election in Bayelsa State.
Diri, who is the incumbent governor of the state, defeated his closest rival and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva.
Diri’s victory comes amidst controversy sorrounding results from two local governments, namely Brass and Southern Ijaw.
The controversy created palpable tension in the polity, culminating in a protest on Sunday at the INEC office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Governor Diri won with 175,196 votes, while Sylva of the APC got 110,108 votes.
About sixteen candidates participated in the off-cycle governorship election held on 11 November, 2023.
