Contestant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the Bayelsa State governorship race, Timi Alaibe, has denied leaving the party for another.
Alaibe lost the ticket to Senator Douye Diri who also hails from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
The exercise was held at Dr Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa from September 3 to 4.
In a statement on Wednesday by the admin secretary of his campaign organisation, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, Alaibe apologised for his silence since he lost to Diri.
The statement said: “We thank our supporters and the good people of Bayelsa State for their unprecedented support (evidenced by dead silence in the State on Wednesday September 4, 2019), peaceful conduct and patience since the unacceptable election result was announced last week.
“We apologise for the vacuum created by our silence which has given rise to various speculations planted in the media by those who masterminded the injustice in order to confuse the people.”
Alaibe said he needed to carry out “due consultation across board with our supporters; particularly the stakeholders—including our vibrant youth and women” before taking decisions.
The statement further said: “However, let it be stated that Chief Alaibe has not joined any political party as bandied in the media. He is still a loyal member of the PDP despite being bombarded by requests and offers of opportunity by other political parties. That decision has not been taken. Any speculation to the contrary remains what it is—mere speculation.
“We are appealing to our supporters to remain calm as it would be made known within the next 48 hours, a necessary action that will ensure that Bayelsa people have the governor they deserve, in the person of Chief Alaibe.”