A major political shift unfolded in Bayelsa State as prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside thousands of their supporters, formally resigned from the party and aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in a dramatic show of strength in Yenagoa.
Hon. Selekebina Saboh, a former Stalwart of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile Local Government Chairman of Ekeremor Council area of Bayelsa State has announced his resignation from the ruling APC and his decision to join the NDC with over 10,200 supporters statewide.
Hon. Saboh described the move as a deliberate step toward embracing a people-driven political movement, pledging total commitment to the ideals and leadership of the NDC.
He explained that his decision was informed by his love, admiration and confidence in the leadership strides of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson founder of the NDC that has manifested over the years in his quality representation at every political office in his disposal.
He thanked all his supporters for their support which he has enjoyed over the years and assured them that the NDC will lead them to victory in the upcoming elections in the State.
Similarly, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha from Ekeremor Local Government Area declared his exit from his former political affiliation and alignment with the NDC, expressing confidence in the party’s capacity to secure grassroots-based electoral victory.
He assured party leaders of his readiness to mobilize support across his constituency.
In a statement issued by Gabriel Ukuta, Director of New Media to the NDC in Bayelsa State, the mass defection was attributed to growing confidence in the leadership and vision of the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.
The statement emphasized that Dickson’s political experience and track record continue to attract support across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, described the party as a “Noah’s Ark,” offering hope and direction for the oppressed and marginalized.
He commended the defectors for what he termed a “bold and timely decision,” urging more Bayelsans to join the movement for genuine democratic transformation.
The Bayelsa State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Dauperebo Ikuromo, welcomed the new members and praised their courage, noting that the influx of APC chieftains and their supporters marks a turning point in the state’s political firmament.
Other party leaders and stakeholders present at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party’s structure across all local government areas, as preparations intensify for the upcoming elections.
Despite a heavy downpour, the event drew massive participation from across the eight local government areas of the state, signaling a growing wave of defections and realignments ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The mass resignation of APC figures and their subsequent alignment with the NDC underscores a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political dynamics, with the opposition party gaining momentum through high-profile defections and expanding grassroots support.
Prominent figures present at the event included Hon. Pabra Igwele, State Deputy Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, representative of the National Leader at the event, Dr. O. Osusu, Member of the NDC Sagbama LGA, Hon. Salo Adikumo, an elder of the NDC in Sagbama LGA, Chief Suru Oyarede, elder of the NDC in Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, and Hon. Oyinke Godbless, both Members of the minority party in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, among others.
