Another Bayelsa Lawmaker decamps to NDC *As wave of defections speads in Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma By Gabriel Ukuta
A fresh wave of political defections has swept through Bayelsa State, with scores of politicians and supporters in Sagbama Local Government Area and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area dumping their former parties to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in what observers describe as a significant political shift ahead of upcoming elections.
The development, which unfolded during separate but related political gatherings in the affected council areas, highlights the growing influence of the NDC across key parts of the state.
Mass Defections in Sagbama
In Sagbama, a large number of party faithful publicly resigned their membership from various political parties and declared allegiance to the NDC.
The defectors were formally received by the Bayelsa State Chairman of the party, Hon. Dauperebo Ikuromo.
Addressing the gathering, Ikuromo expressed appreciation for the decision of the defectors, describing their move as timely and progressive.
He commended the people of Sagbama for their continued support and confidence in the party, assuring them that the NDC is poised to secure victory in the forthcoming elections in the state.
“The decision to align with the NDC is a step in the right direction,” he said, adding that the party remains committed to delivering good governance and people-oriented leadership.
NDC Ideology Highlighted
Speaking to journalists at the event, former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and NDC chieftain, Hon. Salo Adikumo, described the party as a platform of hope for the people.
According to him, the NDC “heralds good tidings” for the people of Sagbama, the wider Niger Delta, and the nation at large.
He emphasized that the party’s core ideology service to humanity sets it apart from other political platforms.
Adikumo called on Bayelsans across party lines to join the NDC, noting that the party has the capacity and vision to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
As part of activities marking the event, party leaders and stakeholders unveiled the NDC Secretariat in Sagbama, a move seen as strengthening the party’s grassroots presence in the area.
Mrs. Ingo Iwowari- Gold,
Treasurer, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Bayelsa State, said the level of NDC acceptance in Bayelsa State is massive stating further that the Nigeria Democratic Congress is determined to serve and deliver quality governance to the people of Nigeria
She explained that His Excellency, Senator Seriake Dickson is a master of grassroot politics and expressing optimistimism that he will lead the part to victory.
In a parallel development, the political landscape in Kolokuma/Opokuma was also jolted as Hon. Wisdom Fafi, the lawmaker representing KOLGA constituency 2 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his defection from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the NDC.
Hon. Fafi made the announcement in Opokuma Town, where he addressed a gathering of supporters and political stakeholders.
He thanked his followers for their loyalty and support over the years and urged them to join him in embracing the new political direction.
He assured the people that the NDC would bring meaningful development and improved governance to the area.
Explaining the reasons behind his decision, the Lawmaker cited his admiration and respect for Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC.
He described Dickson as a leader whose commitment to the welfare of his people remains unparalleled.
Hon. Fafi noted that the ideology of the NDC is rooted in Dickson’s vision of prioritizing service to humanity, adding that the people of Kolokuma/Opokuma are appreciative of the former governor’s contributions to their development.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his constituents to support the NDC and its leadership, stressing that their decision reflects gratitude and confidence in the party’s direction.
Further consolidating its presence in the area, the NDC also commissioned additional party secretariats in Kiama and other parts of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The commissioning of these structures is seen as part of a broader strategy to deepen grassroots mobilization and strengthen the party’s operational capacity ahead of the elections.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Minamu,
Member, Nigeria Democratic Congress KOLGA, stated expressed confidence in Hon. Wisdom Fafi's decision to join the NDC adding that KOLGans are in support of his move and they stand firmly by him working hand in gloves to ensure victory for the party in the upcoming elections.
Other notable stakeholders at the event are Elder Fynman Wilson, former S.A. political and caucus chairman of Bayelsa State NDC; Hon. O.O. Osusu, caucus chairman of Bayelsa West; High Chief (Hon.) Victor Okubonanabo; Hon. Embeleakpo Prosper Alali, immediate past executive chairman of Sagbama LGA; Hon. Richman Ndakwe; and several others.
The growing wave of defections in Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma signals a shifting political tide in Bayelsa State.
By Gabriel Ukuta
