The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State has suffered a significant setback in the home state of its national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, following the defection of several key members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors, led by the winner of the NDC House of Assembly primary for Sagbama Constituency II, Deacon Felix Wilson, announced their departure due to alleged internal maltreatment.
Deacon Wilson, who disclosed this at the office of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, explained that his exit was prompted by irreconcilable challenges within the party after his name was reportedly removed and replaced with that of Michael Magbisa, whom he had defeated in the primary election.
“I am a candidate for Sagbama Constituency Two under NDC. I want people of my constituency, in particular, to know that NDC is not a good party; I would not have returned to my former party and family. Now I am in APC, which is a party of progress, and I am in the progressive party,” he said.
Wilson stated that he moved to the APC alongside all his supporters who have stood by him for several years.
He expressed satisfaction that the APC welcomed him and his team, pledging his full commitment to the party’s growth and future electoral success.
Another notable defector, Mr. Saheed Umar, who served as the NDC Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, also declared his exit and promised loyalty to the APC.
Regarding his decision, he stated, “as a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in APC.”
Dr. Akpe officially received the defectors, who were seen waving the APC broom symbol, and welcomed them into the party fold.
He urged the new members to work toward the unity and growth of the APC, as well as the overall development of the state and the consolidation of the Prosperity Administration.
The group of defectors also included Victor Egba, who was an NDC Ogbia Constituency I aspirant, along with Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo, and Munteuma Clifford.
