Mass defection hits PDP in Bayelsa as over 500 members join APC

Over 500 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area, have dumped the party for the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on behalf of the defectors in Yenagoa, Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, said the community has supported the Prosperity Administration from inception and cannot afford to oppose a government they consider their own.

A statement on Thursday by Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, said that the decampees were received into the APC in a ceremony at Ofoni community, country home of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother to the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said that the decision was a collective one taken by the people of the community out of their own volition and assured that those yet to decamp will join them in the APC in no distant time.

He assured Governor Diri of Ofoni community’s total support, stressing that the bond between the community and the government will not be broken.

While welcoming the decampees, Akwakwa Akwakwa, the APC vice chairman in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, said that the event was significant as they were all coming under one umbrella to align with the vision of Governor Diri, who is the leader of the party in the state.

Also speaking, Kemi Prefa, a former Youths and Sports Commissioner in the state, said the APC was large enough to accommodate as many people that are willing to join and assured the new entrants of equal treatment.

Stakeholders in the community lauded Diri and Peter Akpe, his new deputy for their leadership qualities while stressing that the community decided to join the APC winning train in their own collective interest

Expressing gratitude to the state government for development projects in their community, they assured of their continued support and resolve to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Responding, Peter Akpe, deputy governor of Bayelsa State, expressed delight over the defectors’ voluntary decision to join the APC, saying it is not the style of Governor Diri to coerce people into decision making.

Akpe acknowledged the organic support the Prosperity Administration has always received from the people of Ofoni community and urged the new entrants to feel free in their new party.

He noted that their formal defection would strengthen the already existing relationship between the state government and the community, adding that it would encourage those who are still sitting on the fence to join the APC in no distant time.

“It is a day of joy because we are bringing our hearts out organically without any kind of pressure. Nobody was cajoled or pressured to be here. Everyone made their judgement, took their decision and we are here.

“That is the methodology and pattern of Governor Diri, he never pressures anybody.

“With utmost joy, I want to join our party leaders to welcome you. The boat of APC in Sagbama was incomplete without this cream of leaders from Ofoni. We have been a team working together, nothing should separate us.

“Thank you so much. I appreciate you all on behalf of the Governor. This togetherness will take us to greater heights. Feel extremely free and confident that you are in this party for good. To all those still far or still sitting on the fence, join the winning team.”

Highpoint of the event was the reception of the PDP defectors by Arioke Ohwona, chairman of APC in Sagbama Local Government Area.