Residents from across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State braved heavy rainfall in Yenagoa to publicly declare their support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a significant political show of strength ahead of upcoming elections.
The gathering, which drew a large crowd despite the downpour, underscored growing grassroots momentum for the party in the state.
According to a statement by Gabriel Ukuta, Director of New Media to the NDC in Bayelsa State, the turnout reflected widespread admiration and confidence in the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the party’s National Leader.
Ukuta noted that Dickson’s political track record, including his tenure as a two-term governor of Bayelsa State and current role as senator representing Bayelsa West, has continued to inspire support for the party.
Addressing the crowd, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, described the party as “the Noah’s Ark of our time,” positioning it as a refuge for the oppressed, voiceless, and marginalized across Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large.
Senator Cleopas commended Senator Dickson for his vision in founding the party and urged citizens to align with what he called a movement aimed at delivering genuine democracy.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Chairman of the NDC, Dauperebo Ikuromo, expressed appreciation to party faithful and supporters for their resilience and commitment, formally welcoming attendees to the event.
The highlight of the gathering was a wave of defections from the APC, PDP, ADC, LP among other political parties in the State.
A former stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Selekebina Saboh, announced his defection to the NDC alongside over 10,200 supporters from across the state.
Hon. Saboh pledged unwavering support for the party’s ideology and leadership ahead of the elections.
Similarly, Hon. Wilson Ayakpo Dayegha, a political figure from Ekeremor Local Government Area, declared his alignment with the NDC, describing it as the platform capable of delivering grassroots-driven victory.
He assured party leaders of his commitment to mobilizing support and working collaboratively to secure electoral success.
Other prominent figures present at the event included Hon. Pabra Igwele, State Deputy Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Fyneman Wilson, representative of the National Leader at the event, Dr. O. Osusu, Member of the NDC Sagbama LGA, Hon. Salo Adikumo, an elder of the NDC in Sagbama LGA, Chief Suru Oyarede, elder of the NDC in Ekeremor LGA, Hon. Wisdom Fafi, and Hon. Oyinke Godbless, both Members of the minority party in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, among others.
The event marks a notable moment in Bayelsa’s evolving political climate, signaling increasing realignments as parties intensify preparations for the forthcoming elections.
