Gov. Diri Commends Peaceful APC LG Congress in Kaiama; Dibagha Emerges Kolokuma/Opokuma APC Chairman

Governor Douye Diri attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Area (LGA) congress held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Kaiama, the headquarters of Kolokuma/Opokuma. The exercise, which was part of the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of forthcoming political activities, was widely described as peaceful and orderly. 

The congress produced a 27-member executive with Panebi Dibagha emerging as the new Chairman of the APC in the local government. The election was conducted under the supervision of the National Congress Committee led by Hon. Frank Omare, with observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in attendance.

In his remarks, Governor Diri applauded the calm and transparent manner in which the congress was held, urging the newly elected officials to justify the confidence placed in them by serving the party and the people with fairness and integrity. “You were all elected to serve our party, and we believe you will serve all of us well,” the governor said, stressing that politics should foster unity, not division. He urged party members to redouble efforts toward peace and development as the state prepares for future elections. 

Governor Diri also expressed appreciation to the National and State Congress Committees for ensuring a smooth process and thanked observers from INEC and security agencies for their roles in maintaining order.

In his acceptance speech, newly elected APC Chairman Panebi Dibagha thanked Governor Diri and party leaders for their support, pledging “unalloyed service” to the APC and its stakeholders in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA. He reiterated the need for unity and collaboration among party members to advance the party’s objectives at the grassroots.

The congress came on the heels of successful APC ward congresses held across Bayelsa State, which Governor Diri also commended for their peaceful conduct and consensus-oriented outcomes. The governor reiterated that politics should be about development and community upliftment rather than acrimony, urging party members to work together in the spirit of reconciliation.