By Nath Oke, Yenagoa

Mr. Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and aspirant, has won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary election for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.

Akinaka was announced on Wednesday as the sole candidate at the Senatorial District Headquarters venue, St. Peters’ Primary School, Yenagoa main Town. which served as the collation centre, by the PDP Vice Chairman for the Senatorial District and Returning Officer, Mr. Bidi Weris after the party primary conducted at various wards.

Speaking at the event, Akinaka thanked party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders for the honour bestowed upon him. “Today I stand very humbled and honoured to profoundly accept your nomination as your party candidate. This is a sacred trust that I would hold dear and never betray,” he said

Akinaka acknowledged the long-standing challenges faced by the constituency, including stagnation and poor representation.

He said “Our people have long yearned for a steady hope and progress over the years, we have suffered from stagnation, underrepresentation… that era is over now.

“As we prepare to go into the general election, my message to you is a message of hope, a message of optimism, a message of commitment,” Akinaka said.

While emphasising development as his priority and  not for personal gain, he added: “What we are doing isn’t for ourselves, this project is for the people, it’s for Bayelsa, it’s for Bayelsa  Central.”

He noted that the position would provide a bigger platform to deliver greater value to constituents beyond what is possible at a private level.

Akinaka also assured party faithful of his total commitment to victory in the upcoming polls.

“We’ll work as a serious party and become victorious come the general elections,” he said.

The victory positions Akinaka as the PDP flag bearer for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming election.