By Jane Okeke
A major political realignment has occurred in Bayelsa State as prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside over 10,000 supporters.
The defection, which took place in Yenagoa on March 30, 2026, was led by a former APC stalwart and ex-Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Selekebina Saboh.
Saboh said the decision to resign from the APC and join the NDC with over 10,200 supporters was driven by his conviction in the party’s people-oriented vision.
He attributed his move to his confidence in the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, founder of the NDC, citing his track record in public service.
“I am convinced that the NDC represents a people-driven movement capable of delivering victory and good governance,” Saboh said.
Also speaking, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dauyegha, another defector from Ekeremor LGA, expressed confidence in the NDC’s grassroots strength, pledging to mobilise support across his constituency.
In a statement, the NDC Director of New Media in Bayelsa, Gabriel Ukuta, said the mass defection reflects growing confidence in the leadership of Dickson.
The National Chairman of the party, Senator Moses Cleopas, described the NDC as a “Noah’s Ark” for the oppressed, commending the defectors for their “bold and timely decision.”
Similarly, the Bayelsa State Chairman of the party, Hon. Dauperebo Ikuromo, said the influx of APC members marks a turning point in the state’s political landscape.
Despite heavy rainfall, the event attracted a large crowd from across the eight local government areas, signalling increasing momentum for the NDC ahead of forthcoming elections.
