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The political rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has intensified following the arrest of Mr. Ebikopoemi Bobby Ugo, the APC publicity secretary for Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, and coordinator of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Media Centre in the state.
Ugo was arrested over allegations of defamation after a Facebook post criticizing Governor Douye Diri’s handling of the 2023 flood disaster in Bayelsa. His post reportedly suggested that the governor had received funds from the Federal Government but failed to adequately respond to the crisis.
Following a complaint lodged with the Bayelsa State Police Command, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit invited Ugo and three others—Mark-Charles Gborieneni, Funkebi Atabala, and Preye Bagou—for questioning on October 21. They were accused of defamation of character and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
However, before the scheduled appearance, Ugo and the others were arrested. While Gborieneni, Atabala, and Bagou were later released, Ugo remained in custody. He was subsequently arraigned in court, and the police secured an order for his further detention at Okaka Medium Prisons for 18 days.
The APC has strongly condemned the arrest, accusing Governor Diri of weaponizing state institutions against political opponents. In a statement titled “Lift the Siege on Our Members, APC Bayelsa Tells Gov Diri,” the party’s state publicity secretary, Doifie Buokoribo, alleged that the Bayelsa State Police Command and the judiciary were being used to suppress opposition voices.
“The continued detention of our party member is a blatant abuse of power and a violation of fundamental human rights,” the statement read. “Governor Diri is using security agencies to intimidate APC members ahead of the election. This is unacceptable in a democratic society.”
The PDP has yet to officially respond to the APC’s allegations. However, sources within the party maintain that Ugo’s arrest followed due legal processes and was not politically motivated.
As the 2023 elections approach, the escalating tension between the two parties underscores the highly competitive nature of the political landscape in Bayelsa State.
