Bayelsa NDC Suffers Mass Defection to APC Amid Crisis

Rita Enemuru, Reporting 

YENAGOA – The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State has suffered a significant blow after a faction of key members, including its House of Assembly candidate for Sagbama Constituency II, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, led by Deacon Felix Wilson, who won the party’s primary election for the Sagbama constituency II ticket, announced their exit on Thursday, citing deception and mistreatment by the NDC leadership.

Deacon Wilson, who was received alongside his supporters by Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, at his office, said his defection was driven by “irreconcilable challenges” within the NDC.

He claimed his name was removed and replaced with that of Michael Magbisa, the very candidate he had defeated in the primary.

“NDC is a good party, but I would not have returned to my former party and family,” Wilson said. “Now I am in APC, which is a party of progress.

“I want the people of my constituency to know that I have joined the progressive party with all my supporters who have been with me for several years.”

He expressed gratitude that the APC received his team with open hearts and pledged his commitment to the party’s growth and electoral success.

Also crossing the floor was Mr Saheed Umar, the former NDC Vice Chairman for Ogbia Local Government Area, who declared his loyalty to the APC.

“As a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team,” Umar said. “I am here to serve in APC.”

Other defectors included Victor Egba, NDC aspirant for Ogbia Constituency I; Gilbert Alawei; Agidi George; Azibola Oru; Solomon Etor; Fineman Eseimokumo; and Munteuma Clifford – all of whom waved the APC broom symbol in a show of allegiance.

Receiving the defectors, Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe welcomed them warmly and urged them to work for the unity and growth of the APC, as well as the development of Bayelsa State and the consolidation of the current prosperity administration.

The mass defection marks a significant setback for the NDC in Bayelsa, as the party loses key figures ahead of upcoming elections, while the APC continues to strengthen its presence in the state.