In a call for unity and respect among political rivals, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns as the 2027 general elections approach. His remarks were made during the launch of the second tenure campaign for President Bola Tinubu, organized by the PBAT Door to Door Movement at Oxbow Lake in Yenagoa.

Diri emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic values, stating that political discourse should be persuasive rather than combative. He highlighted that democracy thrives on diverse opinions and encouraged members of the PBAT movement to engage with those who hold differing views without treating them as adversaries.

"The purpose of our gathering today is to restate without equivocation our unflinching loyalty to the re-election of President Tinubu and to flag off the South-South zone of the PBAT Door to Door Movement," Diri stated. He expressed confidence that both the South-South region and the broader Nigerian populace would support Tinubu’s bid for a second term, which he believes is essential for the continued development of the nation.

The governor praised Tinubu for his commitment to democratic principles, recalling how the president ensured free and fair elections during his own governorship bid and in the recent Osun State elections. Diri's support for Tinubu was echoed by other leaders at the event, who underscored the importance of a united front in the South-South region.

Chief Lambert Ototo, who chaired the event, noted that Tinubu has performed well and would excel further if re-elected. Pastor Reuben Wilson, the South-South Coordinator of the PBAT Door to Door Movement, expressed gratitude to the coordinators and supporters who contributed to the event's success, reinforcing the movement's goal of rallying support for Tinubu.

Hon. Daniel Charles, the Bayelsa State Coordinator, affirmed the region's commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, while Warman Ogoriba, chairman of the state All Progressives Congress, pledged that the South-South would deliver a significant number of votes for the president. He encouraged the movement's coordinators and members to remain diligent in their efforts until the elections.

As the political landscape heats up in Nigeria, Diri's call for respectful engagement and issue-focused campaigning serves as a reminder of the democratic ideals that underpin the electoral process. With the elections just around the corner, the emphasis on unity and constructive dialogue may play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative in the coming months.