The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State has suffered a setback following the defection of several of its members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those who left the party are the NDC House of Assembly candidate for Sagbama Constituency II, Felix Wilson, the party's Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, Saheed Umar, and other party stakeholders.
The defectors were received over the weekend by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, at his office.
Speaking during the event, Wilson attributed his decision to leave the NDC to internal disputes, alleging that his name was replaced with that of Michael Magbisa despite emerging victorious in the party's primary election for Sagbama Constituency II.
He said the development left him with no option but to join the APC alongside his supporters.
"I have returned to my former party and family. Now I am in APC, a party of progress," Wilson said, adding that he remains committed to the party's growth and electoral success.
Also speaking, Umar, who served as the NDC Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, said he joined the APC to align with what he described as a progressive platform.
"As a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in APC," he said.
Welcoming the new members, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe urged them to work towards strengthening the APC and promoting unity within the party. He also called on them to support the development of Bayelsa State and the consolidation of the state's Prosperity Administration.
Other defectors include Victor Egba, the NDC House of Assembly aspirant for Ogbia Constituency I, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo and Munteuma Clifford.
