Political tension is rising in Bayelsa State as three major rallies backed by different political figures are now scheduled for April 26 in Yenagoa.
According to Naija News, these overlapping events have triggered concerns about possible clashes and safety issues in the state capital.
Supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, had initially planned their rally for April 12. However, they postponed it after concerns were raised about multiple political events taking place simultaneously.
George Turnah, leader of the NEW Associates and convener of the pro-Wike rally, confirmed the new date during a press conference. The rally, he said, will also serve to inaugurate the Bayelsa chapter of the grassroots group backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Turnah explained, “We decided to defer our rally to allow others to conduct theirs peacefully. But if they now fix theirs for the same date, then it is clear who is trying to provoke conflict.”
Meanwhile, Governor Douye Diri’s team also shifted their own rally to April 26. His media aide, Kolawole Oredipe, confirmed the change through a Facebook post. The event will express public backing for Diri’s administration.
Adding to the crowded date, supporters of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal under the New Democrats group also rescheduled their rally for April 26. Egberibin Lucky, a member of the group, said the date change became necessary due to recent developments.
With these three political events now overlapping, many residents and stakeholders are concerned about crowd control, logistics, and potential confrontation between rival groups.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
