Following his victory over Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC), securing a second term in office, Governor Diri took a moment to commend the electoral umpire for organizing a fair contest despite the challenges faced during the exercise.

In an interview on Tuesday's edition of Channels Television's Politics Today, Governor Diri remarked, “The conduct of the election sincerely could be adjudged to be free, fair, and transparent. But it is a human effort, so it could not be a perfect one. There were challenges.”

Acknowledging the challenges encountered, Governor Diri pointed to the unique terrain of Bayelsa State, distinct from Kogi and Imo states where off-cycle governorship elections were also held simultaneously. He emphasized that the state's geographical features contributed to delays in the release of election results.

“When there was that hue and cry about a delay in releasing results, those of us from the state, we understand that it was not that easy for elections to be conducted, and results will stream in the way they could have like in Imo or in Kogi,” Diri explained.

Despite the hurdles faced, including a boat mishap that necessitated a delay in some areas, Governor Diri commended the electoral process. He stated, “I believe the electoral umpire has done well with all these challenges, and I want to believe that this is one of the best elections they have ever conducted where the BVAS has been brought into full test.”

The governor's words underscore the significance of INEC's efforts in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process in Bayelsa State, even in the face of logistical challenges and unique geographical considerations.