By Abubakar Yunusa
A major political realignment has hit Bayelsa State as key figures of the All Progressives Congress defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The development, which unfolded in Yenagoa, saw thousands of supporters follow their leaders in a dramatic show of strength ahead of the forthcoming elections.
A former APC stalwart and ex-Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Selekebina Saboh, led the defection with over 10,200 supporters across the state.
Saboh described his resignation as a deliberate move towards a people-driven political platform.
He pledged loyalty to the leadership and ideals of the NDC.
The former council boss said his decision was driven by his confidence in the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
He noted that Dickson’s track record in public office inspired his switch.
Saboh thanked his supporters for their loyalty over the years.
He expressed optimism that the NDC would secure victory in the forthcoming elections.
Similarly, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha announced his exit from his former political platform.
Dauyegha, also from Ekeremor, declared support for the NDC.
He expressed confidence in the party’s grassroots strength and pledged to mobilise support within his constituency.
In a statement, the NDC’s Director of New Media in Bayelsa, Gabriel Ukuta, attributed the mass defection to growing confidence in the party’s leadership.
He said the influence and political experience of Dickson continued to attract supporters across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, described the party as a “Noah’s Ark”.
He said the platform offered hope for the oppressed and marginalised.
Cleopas commended the defectors for what he called a bold and timely decision.
He urged more residents to join the movement.
The Bayelsa State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Dauperebo Ikuromo, welcomed the new members.
He described their defection as a turning point in the state’s political landscape.
Other stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party’s structure across all local government areas.
Despite a heavy downpour, the event recorded massive turnout from across the eight local government areas.
The development signals a growing wave of defections and political realignments in the state.
Prominent figures at the event included Hon. Pabra Igwele, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, Dr. O. Osusu, Hon. Salo Adikumo, Chief Suru Oyarede, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, and Hon. Oyinke Godbless, among others.
The mass defection underscores a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political dynamics as the NDC gains momentum through high-profile alignments.
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