More than 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ofoni, the hometown of former Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection, which took place on Thursday in Yenagoa, was described by community leaders as a collective decision aimed at consolidating support for the Prosperity Administration led by Governor Douye Diri.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Dr Christopher Ewhrudjakpo said the people of Ofoni had consistently backed the current administration and could not afford to stand in opposition to a government they regard as their own.
Ewhrudjakpo added that more residents of the community were expected to join the APC in the coming weeks.
He assured both Governor Diri and his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe, of unwavering loyalty from Ofoni, stressing that the bond between the community and the Prosperity Government “will not be broken.”
Welcoming the new members, the Vice Chairman of APC in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Mr Akwakwa B Akwakwa, described the event as important, saying that it brought the community under one umbrella aligned with the vision of Governor Diri.
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Former Youths and Sports Commissioner, Chief Kemi Prefa, also addressed the gathering, stressing that the APC was large enough to accommodate all who wished to join and promising equal treatment for the new entrants.
Stakeholders from Sagbama Wards 3 and 4, including Dr Isikuru Joseph, Mr Friday Nigeria, Mr Morris Dovieme, Mr Godspower Ikerewu and Mrs Ann Siakpere, praised the leadership qualities of Governor Diri and his deputy.
They mentioned recent development projects in Ofoni and pledged continued support, including working towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Responding, Deputy Governor Dr Peter Akpe lauded the voluntary nature of the defection, adding that Governor Diri’s style was never to coerce people into political decisions.
He described the move as a strengthening of the relationship between the state government and Ofoni, urging those still undecided to join the APC “winning team.”
“The boat of APC in Sagbama was incomplete without this cream of leaders from Ofoni.
“This togetherness will take us to greater heights. Feel extremely free and confident that you are in this party for good,” he said.
The key moment of the ceremony was the formal reception of the defectors by the APC Chairman in Sagbama Local Government Area, Mr Arioke Ohwona.