Bayelsa APC chieftain, supporters defect to PDP
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gabriel Claudius, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his supporters in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The defectors were formally received on Monday at a ceremony attended by PDP leaders at the local and state levels in Ogbia.
Ogbia PDP chairman, Ofoni Morgan, described the party as the political home of the people of the area.
He said the PDP remains the party that produced Nigeria’s first president from the Ijaw ethnic nationality, insisting that the party continues to enjoy widespread support in the area.
Mr Morgan described Mr Claudius as a grassroots politician whose return would strengthen the PDP in Elebele and across Ogbia Local Government Area.
The PDP state chairman, George Turnah, welcomed the defectors before presenting them to the party leadership at the state level.
Mr Turnah called on the Bayelsa State government to do more to tackle the challenges of poverty, unemployment and economic hardship, claiming that the administration was not doing enough to address the needs of the people.
He alleged that despite the increased federal allocations, many youths and women remained economically disadvantaged.
According to him, Elebele has a vibrant youth population that deserves greater political inclusion and participation in governance.
The PDP leader in Bayelsa, Joshua Maciver, described the defection as a homecoming, saying the party was pleased to receive Claudius and his supporters.
Mr Maciver said the PDP remained determined to reclaim elective positions in future elections, including Senate, House of Representatives and Bayelsa State House of Assembly seats.
He dismissed insinuations that the party would be weakened by recent political realignments, insisting it remained focused on victory.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Claudius said the PDP was restructuring and repositioning ahead of future elections.
He expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger and more competitive in the next electoral cycle.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
Public service measured by impact, not years in office, Fagbemi says
Mr Fagbemi commended the management and staff of the NCC.
Heading 5
Kano, FG expanding irrigation infrastructure to boost food security, economic developmentÂ
Mr Yusuf commended the federal government for its intervention.
Abuja
Completion of abandoned projects hallmark of my three-year tenure: WikeÂ
Mr Wike said his team had remained committed to its mandate despite initial challenges.
NationWide
Stakeholders fault remittance of unclaimed dividends to DMO
The shareholders said unclaimed dividends remained the property of investors.
States
Union seeks amicable resolution to Oyebanji, Oluyin chair dispute
IDFU is the socio-cultural umbrella body representing all Iyin-Ekiti sons and daughters.
NationWide
2027: Muslim clerics urge Nigerians to vote for Tinubu
Mr Darma described the endorsement as the resolution of the meeting.
