The fledgling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered another political blow in Bayelsa State as several prominent members, including its House of Assembly candidate for Sagbama Constituency II, Deacon Felix Wilson, dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged injustice and internal crisis.
The defectors were formally received at the office of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, where they pledged allegiance to the APC and vowed to work for the party’s growth and future electoral victories.
Speaking during the defection, Wilson alleged that the party sidelined him despite emerging victorious in the NDC primary election for Sagbama Constituency II.
“I am the candidate for Sagbama Constituency II under the NDC. I want the people of my constituency, in particular, to know that the NDC is not a good party. I would not have returned to my former party and family if things were right. Now I am in the APC, which is a party of progress, and I am in the progressive party,” he said.
Wilson claimed that his decision followed what he described as irreconcilable differences after the party allegedly removed his name and replaced it with that of Michael Magbisa, whom he said he defeated during the primary election.
He disclosed that he joined the APC alongside his supporters, expressing appreciation for the warm reception accorded them and promising total commitment to strengthening the ruling party.
Also announcing his resignation from the NDC was the party’s former Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, Mr. Saheed Umar, who said he was aligning himself with what he described as the winning political platform.
“As a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in the APC,” Umar stated.
Receiving the defectors, Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, welcomed them into the APC and urged them to remain committed to the party’s ideals.
Akpe charged the new members to work towards strengthening the APC, promoting unity within its ranks, and supporting the continued development of Bayelsa State under the Prosperity Administration.
Others who joined the APC include Victor Egba, an NDC House of Assembly aspirant for Ogbia Constituency I, as well as Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo, and Munteuma Clifford.
