By Matthew Don
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has said he has no preferred candidate in the November 16 governorship election in the state.
But he said he would soon start consultations with aspirants and critical stakeholders at the national and state levels of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor spoke on Friday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, adding that remained committed to his earlier stance that there was no anointed aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election.
The statement said: “Now that the collection of gubernatorial forms have ended, the leadership of the party in the state wishes to say that there is no anointed aspirant against the practice in those states where outgoing governors endorse one single aspirant.
“I decided to open the state for people in my government, my team and other members of the party who have interest to indicate their interest I promise the state that there would be no imposition so would it be.
“The aspirants who have bought firms have the right to express their ambition but the state leadership of the party should watch keenly. I am following the comments and making observations and in appropriate cases making consultations.
“Now that the end of purchase of forms have come, I will intensify consultations both with aspirants, party leaders and other stakeholders.
“And at the end of the day, I intend to work with the party at the national and state levels to ensure that there is a free and fair election. Those using my name should be disregarded, it is not true, I have not endorsed anybody yet.”