The Bayelsa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Alabh George Turnah, has urged Gov. Douye Diri to focus on improving residents' welfare instead of making political projections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Turnah said the governor should concentrate on tackling economic hardship, unemployment and other pressing challenges facing Bayelsans.

He stated this while speaking with journalists on Thursday after arriving at the Port Harcourt International Airport from Abuja.

The PDP chairman was reacting to Diri's recent comment that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for any opposition party to win the 2027 governorship election in Bayelsa.

Turnah described the remark as unnecessary, saying the electorate, not political rhetoric, would decide the outcome of future elections.

He urged the state government to implement policies that would directly improve the living conditions of the people.

According to him, the administration should clear outstanding pension and gratuity arrears and restore bursary payments to students.

He also called for subsidised healthcare services and measures to reduce transportation costs across the state.

Turnah further proposed the recruitment of 20,000 youths into the Bayelsa Volunteer and Bayelsa Vigilante schemes with a monthly stipend of N150,000.

He estimated that the programme would cost about N3 billion monthly, arguing that the state could fund it from its monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

"The challenge before Bayelsa is not the absence of resources but how available funds are prioritised," he said.

Turnah maintained that governments should invest in programmes that address poverty, unemployment and rising living costs.

He also advocated investment in modern mass transit buses to ease transportation costs and stimulate economic activities.

According to him, the 2027 elections should be driven by issues affecting the welfare of the people rather than political boasts.

"The people want leadership that creates jobs, supports students, protects senior citizens, strengthens healthcare and grows the economy," he said.

Turnah said the PDP would continue to offer what he described as practical alternatives for economic recovery and inclusive development.

He also disclosed that consultations among opposition parties and stakeholders were ongoing.

According to him, an opposition coalition would soon be inaugurated in Bayelsa to provide what he described as a credible political alternative.

Turnah expressed confidence that Bayelsans would ultimately determine the state's political future through the ballot box.

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