Mr. Benson Agadaga has lost his bid to return to the Senate as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the party’s primary election held on Monday.
He was defeated by Mr. Israel Sunny-Goli, a former member of the House of Representatives, who secured a landslide victory with over 76,725 votes across Brass, Nembe and Ogbia Local Government Areas.
In contrast, Agadaga polled 414 votes, while another aspirant, Mr. Amalayon Yuosuo, scored 2,959 votes.
The primary election was conducted by a panel led by Solomon Egba.
Speaking after his victory, Sunny-Goli expressed gratitude to God and thanked stakeholders in Bayelsa East for their support, describing the outcome as a collective decision of party members.
He also appreciated Governor Douye Diri for what he described as an enabling environment that ensured a peaceful and credible process.
According to him, the mandate given to him would not be taken for granted.
“Your confidence in me will not be misplaced,” he said. “I will pursue a participatory representation that focuses on the growth, unity and progress of our district.”
Sunny-Goli called on other aspirants and party stakeholders to put aside differences and work together ahead of the general elections.
Reacting to the outcome, the Acting Amanayabo of Okpoama Kingdom, High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha, said Sunny-Goli’s victory was expected, noting his popularity and past political performance in the area.
Similarly, Mr. Victor Sam-Ateke, a former Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, commended the peaceful conduct of the primary and described the turnout as impressive. He also praised the APC for presenting what he called a strong and widely accepted candidate for the National Assembly election.
