500 PDP Members Defect to APC in Bayelsa State

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Over 500 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP members from Ofoni—the hometown of former Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, have defected to the APC.

The defectors were officially received during a ceremony in Yenagoa by top party and state officials.

Dr. Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, leading the group, stated the move was a collective and voluntary decision by the community. He noted they could no longer oppose a government they consider their own and predicted more defections would follow soon.

APC Vice Chairman Akwakwa B. Akwakwa described the event as a milestone for unity under the vision of Governor Douye Diri. Party leaders assured the new entrants they would receive equal treatment and full integration into the APC fold.

Community stakeholders from Sagbama Wards 2 and 3 praised the leadership of Governor Diri and Deputy Governor Peter Akpe. They cited ongoing development projects in their area as the primary motivation for joining what they called the “winning train.”

The defectors also pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. This move signals a strengthening alignment between the Bayelsa state government and the federal administration, aimed at securing long-term benefits for the community.

Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe expressed delight that the defection was organic and free from coercion. He emphasized that the governor’s methodology is rooted in choice rather than pressure, making the transition more meaningful for the party.

Dr. Akpe encouraged the new members to feel at home and work toward collective progress. He remarked that their arrival completes the party’s structure in Sagbama and urged remaining observers to join the unified political front.