Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered a major political blow in Bayelsa State, the home state of its national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, as several of its top members, including a House of Assembly candidate and a vice chairman, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, June 25, 2026, barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court nullified the party's registration. The defection, which was officially announced at the Bayelsa State Government House, further weakens the opposition party's prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leading the defectors was Deacon Felix Wilson, who emerged as the winner of the NDC House of Assembly primary election for Sagbama Constituency II. Wilson, alongside other defectors including Saheed Umar, Victor Egba, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo, and Munteuma Clifford, was formally received into the APC by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe.
Addressing party supporters shortly after his defection, Wilson explained that his decision to leave the NDC was driven by what he described as injustice and unfair treatment by the party leadership. According to him, despite emerging victorious during the primary election conducted by the party, his name was allegedly substituted with that of Michael Magbisa. Wilson maintained that Magbisa was defeated in the primary and therefore had no justification to emerge as the party's candidate. He said the alleged substitution destroyed his confidence in the NDC and convinced him that he could no longer pursue his political ambition on the platform of the party. "I am a candidate for Sagbama Constituency II 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," Wilson declared. He added that he joined the APC with all his supporters who have been with him for several years and pledged his commitment to the party's growth and electoral success.
Also announcing his resignation from the NDC was the party's Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, Saheed Umar. Umar explained that his decision was motivated by his 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 progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in the APC," Umar said. He assured APC leaders that he and his supporters would remain committed to the party's objectives and work tirelessly for its continued success.
Welcoming the new members into the ruling party, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe described their decision as a positive development for the APC. He urged them to remain committed to strengthening the party, promoting unity among members, and supporting the state's development agenda. The defectors, who were all waving the APC broom symbol, were encouraged to work for the unity and growth of the party as well as the consolidation of the Prosperity Administration. As at June 28, 2026, Stone reporters await for more updates.
The latest wave of defections comes at a difficult time for the NDC, following the recent court ruling that nullified the judgment which had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The development has raised fresh questions about the party's future as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The defections, considered one of the largest political movements in the state since the court ruling, have significantly boosted the APC's growing support base in Bayelsa State.
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