Election 2027: NDC suffers new setback in Bayelsa

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered another major political setback in Bayelsa State as several of its senior members, including a Vice President and a House of Assembly candidate, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), just 24 hours after a Federal High Court canceled the party’s registration.

The latest wave of defections is expected to further weaken the opposition party in the oil-rich state as it struggles to recover from the legal setback that has cast uncertainty over its future ahead of the 2027 general election.

Among those who abandoned the NDC for the ruling APC are Deacon Felix Wilson, Saheed Umar, Victor Egba, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo and Munteuma Clifford.

The defectors formally declared their allegiance to the APC at a reception held at the Bayelsa State Government House where they were welcomed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe.

Assembly candidate cites injustice

Leading the defectors was Deacon Felix Wilson, who emerged as the winner of the NDC House of Assembly primary elections for Sagbama II constituency.

Addressing party supporters shortly after his defection, Wilson said his decision to leave the NDC was a consequence of what he described as injustice and unfair treatment by the party leadership.

According to him, despite emerging victorious from the primary elections conducted by the party, his name would be replaced with that of Michael Magbisa.

Wilson argued that Magbisa was defeated in the primaries and therefore had no justification to emerge as the party’s candidate.

He said the alleged replacement destroyed his confidence in the NDC and convinced him that he could no longer pursue his political ambition on the party’s platform.

“I am running for Sagbama II constituency under the NDC. I want the people of my constituency to know that I have now returned to my former political family, the APC, which is a party of progress,” he said.

Wilson thanked the APC leadership for receiving him and his supporters, assuring the party of his loyalty and commitment.

He also pledged to work with party leaders and members to strengthen the structure of the APC in his constituency and contribute to its victory in future elections.

Vice President abandons NDC

Also announcing his resignation from the NDC was the vice president of the party in Ogbia Local Government Area, Saheed Umar.

Umar explained that his decision was motivated by a desire to identify with what he described as the progressive ideals of the ruling party.

According to him, joining the APC would provide him with a better platform to contribute to governance and participate in the development of Bayelsa State.

“As a young progressive, I choose to align myself with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in the APC,” he said.

He assured APC leaders that he and his supporters will remain committed to the achievement of the party’s objectives and will work tirelessly for its continued success.

More party supporters join APC

In addition to Wilson and Umar, several other prominent NDC members also announced their defection.

They include Victor Egba, an aspirant for Ogbia Constituency I, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo and Munteuma Clifford.

The defectors were accompanied by scores of supporters from different communities, a development that APC leaders described as a significant boost to the party’s growing support base in Bayelsa State.

Their defection is considered one of the biggest political movements in the state after the court ruling that hit the NDC.

APC promises equal opportunities

Welcoming the new members to the ruling party, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, described their decision as a positive development for the APC.

He said the party remained open to all Nigerians who shared its vision of good governance and sustainable development.

Akpe urged the defectors to integrate peacefully with existing members, maintain party discipline and work together to strengthen the APC across the state.

He assured them that the party will provide equal opportunities to every loyal member, encouraging them to mobilize more supporters ahead of future elections.

The deputy governor expressed confidence that the new entrants will contribute significantly to the party’s growth and electoral fortunes.

The Court’s ruling aggravates the uncertainty

The latest defections come against a backdrop of growing uncertainty over the future of the NDC following the Federal High Court ruling that overturned the ruling that had previously forced the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.

The court’s decision has created new legal and political challenges for the opposition party, with many members now reconsidering their political future.

If the situation remains unresolved, the combination of the court ruling and the continued loss of influential members could significantly weaken the NDC structure in several states.

With preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually gaining momentum, analysts say the party faces the difficult task of restoring trust among its members while addressing legal issues surrounding its registration.