The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State has been accused of attempting to undermine a planned thank-you visit by former Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, to Angalabiri Community.
The allegation was made by the Coordinator of Ofurumapepe Media, Mr Gabriel Ukuta, in a statement on Friday in which he criticised the state government over an alleged growing pattern of political intolerance.
According to Ukuta, Dickson had scheduled Saturday, November 7, 2026, for a visit to Angalabiri to appreciate residents for their support and interact with them in a peaceful atmosphere.
However, he alleged that officials of the Bayelsa State Government, Dr Peter Akpe and Hon. Lucky Youbougha, had organised an emergency counter-rally in the same community ahead of the former governor’s visit.
Ukuta described the development as an attempt to undermine Dickson’s engagement with the people, questioning why a routine thank-you visit should generate political opposition from those in government.
He further alleged that the planned counter-rally was part of a recurring pattern by the APC-led administration to respond to political activities organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, with rival programmes.
The statement recalled previous NDC political activities in Yenagoa and other parts of Bayelsa State, claiming that counter-events had been organised at locations including Oxbow Lake and Swali.
Ukuta argued that extending the alleged practice to Angalabiri was unnecessary, particularly as Dickson’s planned visit was intended to appreciate residents rather than organise a political confrontation.
“What exactly is the fear? Why should a peaceful engagement with the people become a source of apprehension for those in government?” he queried.
He maintained that democracy should allow political parties to interact with citizens freely without intimidation, obstruction or unnecessary rivalry.
The Ofurumapepe Media coordinator also warned that organising rival political events at the same location and around the same time could create tension, misunderstandings and possible confrontations among supporters of different political groups.
Ukuta contrasted the alleged actions of the present administration with Dickson’s time as governor, claiming that his government provided public facilities, including the state stadium and Oxbow Lake Pavilion, as well as security arrangements, for opposition parties to hold political rallies.
He expressed disappointment over what he described as seven years of political pettiness and actions aimed at projecting a false image of political superiority in the state.
The statement called on the Bayelsa State Government to exercise restraint and prioritise the safety of Angalabiri residents rather than allow partisan interests to create divisions within the community.
Ukuta further declared that the NDC would not abandon its political engagements because of the alleged attempts to frustrate its activities, insisting that political persuasion should take precedence over intimidation.
He concluded by maintaining that Dickson’s thank-you visit to Angalabiri would proceed as scheduled, adding that “Ofurumapepe will be everywhere.”