A war of words has erupted between the Bayelsa State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over Governor Douye Diri’s proposed ultra-modern stadium project at Igbogene, estimated to cost more than ₦100 billion.
While the PDP described the project as a misplaced priority in the face of widespread hardship, unemployment and poverty, the APC defended the investment, insisting the stadium is a strategic infrastructure project capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and positioning Bayelsa as a national sporting hub.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ikaebimo Mark, the PDP questioned the wisdom of committing over ₦100 billion to a stadium when, according to the party, many residents are battling hunger, unemployment, poor healthcare, inadequate educational facilities and lack of potable water.
The opposition party argued that governance is fundamentally about priorities, maintaining that the state’s pressing needs should take precedence over what it described as a “monumental project.”
According to the PDP, the greatest
infrastructure any government can build is the economic wellbeing of its citizens through investments in agriculture, industrialisation, healthcare, education, vocational training and job creation.
The party also challenged Governor Diri’s assertion that the stadium would empower youths, arguing that genuine youth empowerment should be measured by employment opportunities, thriving businesses, entrepreneurship support and sustainable wealth creation rather than the construction of sporting facilities.
The PDP further pointed to the condition of the existing Samson Siasia Sports Complex, alleging that it has suffered years of inadequate funding, poor maintenance and weak management under the present administration.
It challenged the government to disclose the number of Bayelsa youths who have been directly empowered through sports programmes over the past six years and called on the administration to publish the full details of the proposed stadium project, including its procurement process, contract value, funding arrangements and expected economic returns.
The opposition also urged Governor Diri to declare a state of emergency on hunger, poverty and unemployment, warning that “a hungry population is an angry population.”
However, the APC dismissed the PDP’s position as misleading and politically motivated.
In a rebuttal signed by its State Publicity Secretary, James Wilson Inegite, the ruling party said the criticism ignored what it described as the remarkable developmental achievements of the Diri administration across critical sectors of the state’s economy.
The APC maintained that the proposed 25,000-capacity ultra-modern stadium, expandable to 35,000 seats, is designed to stimulate socio-economic development through sports tourism, youth empowerment, job creation and increased commercial activities.
According to the party, the project has already yielded positive results, with Bayelsa securing the hosting rights for the 2028 National Sports Festival following inspections by the National Sports Commission.
The APC also disclosed that the existing Samson Siasia Sports Complex is earmarked for upgrading as part of the state’s broader investment in sports infrastructure.
Defending the administration’s development agenda, the ruling party listed numerous ongoing and completed projects across road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and security.
Among the achievements highlighted were the construction of major senatorial roads, internal road networks across Yenagoa and other local government areas, new schools and technical colleges, referral hospitals, youth entrepreneurship schemes, agricultural programmes, healthcare reforms, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.
The APC further cited Bayelsa’s recent commendation by the World Bank for healthcare improvements and budget transparency as evidence of the government’s commitment to balanced development.
It also highlighted the administration’s investment in sports, including the Prosperity Cup grassroots football competition, successes recorded by Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens, improved performances at the National Sports Festival, and international achievements by Bayelsa athletes.
The party insisted that the Diri administration is pursuing a multi-sectoral development strategy and rejected claims that the stadium project would undermine investments in other critical sectors.
The exchange has brought the proposed stadium project to the centre of political debate in Bayelsa, with both parties sharply divided over whether the multi-billion-naira investment represents prudent long-term development planning or a misplaced priority at a time of prevailing economic hardship.
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