Over 300 ADC Members Defect to APC in Bayelsa
By Jeremiah Okoro
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
More than 300 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move party leaders described as a significant boost to the ruling party's grassroots strength in the state.
The defectors were led by their coordinator, Hon. Otasome Benjamin Obesi, who attributed his decision and that of his supporters to what he described as the developmental strides recorded in Bayelsa State under the administration of Governor Senator Douye Diri.
Speaking during the reception ceremony, Obesi commended the governor for implementing people-centred policies and executing key infrastructure projects, which he said have contributed to positive changes across the state.
He pledged his commitment to the APC and vowed to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates of the party in future electoral contests.
"I am a grassroots mobiliser, and I understand the responsibility ahead. I will work diligently to support the success of President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in Bayelsa State. I am encouraged by the confidence the party has shown in welcoming us into its fold," Obesi stated.
Receiving the new members on behalf of the state leadership, APC State Chairman Hon. Warman Weri Ogoriba, represented by his deputy, Hon. Ayobegha James, welcomed the defectors and described their decision as a positive development for the party.
He noted that the addition of the new members would further strengthen the APC's organisational structure and electoral prospects ahead of future political contests in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, and the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Faith Zibs, expressed confidence in the party's growing support base.
They maintained that ongoing development initiatives and public infrastructure projects across Bayelsa State have continued to attract political support and strengthen the APC's position.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, commended the defectors for joining the party and emphasised the importance of unity among stakeholders in advancing the APC's objectives.
He urged party members to work collectively toward strengthening the party and ensuring continued political success in future elections.
Cocodia further reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Douye Diri and his deputy, Pastor Peter Akpe, to sustaining developmental programmes, completing ongoing projects, and expanding human capital development initiatives for the benefit of Bayelsans throughout the remainder of the administration's tenure.
