In a stirring political wave ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections, the WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard has come out strongly against a recent press statement issued by the Ekelga Movement for Political Fairness.
The group, in a release signed by Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha, described the Ekelga Movement’s stance on the Bayelsa West Senatorial District race as “misleading, provocative, and designed to sow seeds of discord.”
The Vanguard accused the Ekelga Movement of attempting to incite division between the Sagbama and Ekeremor communities, warning that such tactics threaten the long-standing unity and peace the region has enjoyed even before the creation of Bayelsa State. According to the group, the fixation on zoning is a backward political practice that fuels mediocrity, suppresses meritocracy, and undermines democratic progress.
Rejecting zoning as outdated and undemocratic, the WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard asserted that political representation should be driven by competence, integrity, and performance—not geographical rotation.
They argued that the people of Bayelsa West deserve visionary leaders who can deliver real development, not candidates handpicked by zoning arrangements.
Amid the heated exchange, the group threw its weight behind Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, hailing him as the most impactful senator in Bayelsa West’s history.
They praised his unwavering advocacy for the Ijaw Nation, his bold voice in national matters, and his stellar track record across various leadership roles—including his time as Attorney-General, House of Reps member, Governor, and now Senator.
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Senator Dickson’s achievements in education and youth empowerment were spotlighted, especially his scholarship programs and educational support grants that extend beyond Bayelsa West. His legacy as Governor, particularly the construction of the vital Sagbama–Ekeremor Road, was also celebrated as a transformative project that enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the region.
The group described Senator Dickson as a rare blend of experience, vision, and integrity, and called on the people of Bayelsa West to back his return to the Senate in 2027. They emphasized that his leadership continues to bridge divides and foster inclusive progress, making him the right choice to represent the district.
WAD Progressive Grassroots Vanguard didn’t stop there. They urged Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to investigate and possibly sanction members of the Ekelga Movement who currently hold academic or political appointments in the state. The group accused some of these individuals of exploiting their positions to promote political tension and disunity, calling on them to resign if they wish to engage in partisan politics.
The group dismissed the Ekelga Movement’s statement as a politically motivated distraction, urging the public to see through the manipulation and remain focused on development-driven leadership. They reaffirmed their commitment to defending peace, unity, and competent representation in Bayelsa West, and called on Sagbama and Ekeremor people to stand united ahead of the 2027 polls.
