George Turnah Accuses Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri of Corruption, Poor Governance, Working Against Tinubu
Bayelsa PDP chairman makes fresh allegations against governor, questions ₦1.24 trillion state budget, healthcare, education and support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election
The Bayelsa State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief George Turnah, has launched a scathing attack on Governor Douye Diri, accusing his administration of corruption, poor governance, mismanagement of public resources and failing to demonstrate genuine support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turnah made the allegations while addressing members of the PDP State Working Committee at a get-together organised in honour of the Bayelsa PDP Media Team. The event was streamed by Closer TV on November 5, 2026.
During his address, the PDP chairman raised concerns about the management of public funds, the state of healthcare and education, infrastructure development, unemployment and the general welfare of residents. He also questioned the governor’s political commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, alleging that Diri had not demonstrated sufficient support for the President’s 2027 ambition.
George Turnah Raises Corruption Allegations, Questions Bayelsa’s Public Spending
Turnah made several allegations concerning the governor’s alleged financial dealings, properties and management of state resources.
He referred to claims involving investments and properties outside Nigeria, alleged investigations and financial transactions, raising questions about the sources of wealth and financial activities associated with the governor.
The allegations were made during the political gathering. However, the event transcript reviewed by PulseNets did not contain documentary evidence independently establishing the claims.
The PDP chairman also questioned the priorities of the Bayelsa State Government’s budget, citing a figure of approximately ₦1.24 trillion and arguing that the level of public expenditure had not translated into corresponding improvements in the living conditions of residents.
He linked the administration’s spending priorities to persistent concerns over poverty, unemployment, transportation and access to essential public services, arguing that Bayelsans were yet to experience the level of development expected from such expenditure.
Criticises Healthcare, Education and Infrastructure Development
The PDP chairman also criticised the state of healthcare delivery in Bayelsa, alleging that public medical facilities remained poorly equipped and that residents continued to experience difficulties accessing adequate healthcare services.
He referred to an alleged incident involving the death of a former deputy governor at a Government House medical facility, claiming that oxygen was unavailable at the time.
The allegation could not be independently established from the event transcript and requires clarification from the relevant authorities.
On education, Turnah questioned the Diri administration’s record on scholarships, bursaries and financial support for students, including those studying at the Niger Delta University.
He further challenged the government’s performance in housing development, alleging that there had been insufficient delivery of mass housing projects across the state’s eight local government areas.
The PDP chairman also raised concerns about electricity supply, referring to alleged rationing and expenditure on generators and turbines.
In addition, he cited a poverty ranking attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), using it to question the administration’s performance in improving the economic conditions of Bayelsa residents. The specific NBS report and figures referenced during the address require verification.
Accuses Diri of Not Actively Supporting Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
One of the major political issues raised by Turnah was Governor Diri’s alleged lack of commitment to President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The PDP chairman questioned whether the governor and the Bayelsa political leadership were genuinely mobilising support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He cited what he described as the absence of visible campaign activities, billboards and public mobilisation for Tinubu across the state.
Turnah also questioned Diri’s relationship with the City Boy Movement, a political support group associated with Tinubu’s political activities, suggesting that the governor had not demonstrated the level of commitment expected from someone publicly associated with the President’s re-election project.
The allegations have generated political disagreements in Bayelsa. The state APC chairman, Warman Weri Ogoriba, had previously dismissed Turnah’s position, insisting that Diri had demonstrated support for Tinubu through his public engagements and actions.
The Bayelsa leadership of the City Boy Movement also rejected claims that the governor was not supporting the group.
Turnah, however, maintained his position during the November 5 gathering, arguing that the PDP and its allies were playing a more active role in supporting Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
He also alleged that some former PDP officials who had aligned with another political group were receiving financial stipends from the state government. The claim could not be independently verified from the available transcript.
Recounts Political Tensions, Alleges Attempted Shooting at Rally
Beyond governance and political mobilisation, Turnah recounted an incident at a political rally where he alleged that armed individuals attempted to shoot at members of his group.
According to his account, members of his group were prepared to retaliate but were restrained by senior political figures.
The allegation could not be independently verified, while the available transcript did not provide sufficient details to establish the date, location or circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
Turnah also discussed political support groups and alleged financial disagreements connected to political mobilisation. However, some figures and references in this portion of his address were unclear and have not been included pending further clarification.
Another Speaker Raises Concerns Over Government’s Treatment of Communities
A second speaker, whose identity could not be clearly established from the event transcript, also criticised aspects of the state government’s approach to community development and political appointments.
The speaker recounted his decision to leave government, citing what he described as a lack of development projects and political appointments benefiting his community.
He also discussed efforts to facilitate solar infrastructure and expressed frustration over what he considered difficulties in accessing the state government.
The speaker further criticised political leaders who, in his view, placed excessive importance on money and political patronage rather than addressing the developmental needs of their communities.
Bayelsa Government Yet to Respond to Specific Allegations
The allegations raised by Turnah place several aspects of the Diri administration’s performance under scrutiny, particularly public expenditure, healthcare delivery, education, infrastructure and the governor’s political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
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However, the accusations remain claims made by the PDP chairman and have not been independently established by PulseNets.
The Bayelsa State Government and Governor Douye Diri should be given the opportunity to address the specific allegations, particularly those concerning corruption, financial transactions, public spending, healthcare services and the governor’s alleged lack of support for Tinubu’s re-election.
PulseNets will continue to monitor developments surrounding the allegations and any official response from the state government.
