The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has called on the people of the state to take advantage of a new dawn created by the emergence of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria by voting massively for the party during the forthcoming governorship election on December 5.

In a press statement signed by the state party Publicity Secretary, Panebi Fortune, the party stated that Bayelsa State cannot afford to play opposition politics as it is alien to us, more so, considering the dire consequences of such a stance.

The APC stated that “it is expedient for the people of Bayelsa to reciprocate the kind gesture of the people of Nigeria who supported our son, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan when he held sway for six years as the president of our great country. Now that there is a new president, we must support him to ensure the continuity of a cordial relationship between the government at the center and the one in the state.”

According to the party scribe, Bayelsa people and indeed the South South People have enjoyed the goodwill and support of Nigerians during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, as such it is naturally incumbent for us to support the present government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, by voting massively for the APC.

The statement also stated that "Bayelsa State comes from the minority with no economic, political and infrastructural impetus to play opposition. The Constitution empowers the federal government to be in control of the crude oil which forms the major revenue base of Bayelsa State, as such, without the support of the government at the center, it would be difficult for a young state like Bayelsa to exploit its potentials to the fullest especially under our system of government where the states have no control of their resources.

"The situation is challenging for us, therefore, we cannot afford the high risks associated with opposition politics where the winner takes it all."

The APC, therefore, called on the people of the state to "seize the opportunity granted by destiny to ensure that we remain in the mainstream."

Amongst the PD- controlled states, the party maintained, Bayelsa is one of the luckiest to have a chance through the forthcoming Governorship elections to enthrone another government which shall be on the same page with the principles and ideologies of the President Buhari led federal government.

"This is the time to align with the centre and ensure we reap maximum benefits, as we cannot risk not having our people involved in the business of steering the ship of our country," the APC stated.

•Photo shows Buhari.