Bayelsa senator loses APC return ticket

The senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Benson Agadaga, has lost his bid for re-election after being defeated in the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary election concluded on Monday.

Agadaga lost to a former member of the House of Representatives, Israel Sunny-Goli, who polled 76,725 votes across Brass, Nembe and Ogbia Local Government Areas to emerge the winner of the contest.

While Agadaga secured 414 votes, another aspirant, Amalayon Yuosuo, polled 2,959 votes.

The primary election was conducted by a panel led by Solomon Egba.

Speaking with reporters after his victory on Tuesday, Sunny-Goli thanked God and appreciated Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for creating what he described as a peaceful and credible atmosphere for the exercise.

He also commended APC members and stakeholders in Bayelsa East for entrusting him with the party’s ticket.

“Your confidence in me will not be misplaced,” Sunny-Goli said. “I will pursue a participatory representation that focuses on the growth, unity and progress of our district.”

He called on party members and fellow aspirants to unite and work together for the development of the senatorial district.

Reacting to the outcome, the Acting Amanayabo of Okpoama Kingdom, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, described Sunny-Goli’s victory as unsurprising, citing his popularity and past achievements.

“He is a more popular candidate and a great achiever. I am sure when he gets to the National Assembly, as he has done in the past, he will perform and never disappoint the whole of Bayelsa,” the monarch said.

A former Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Victor Sam-Ateke, also praised the turnout and peaceful conduct of the primary election.

He described the exercise as the first time he had witnessed such overwhelming support for a candidate and commended the APC for producing what he called an acceptable candidate for the National Assembly.