The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa is in disarray following the defection of dozens of key figures and their supporters in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with about four months to the governorship election.
The party in the state has been in crisis with Governor Seriake Dickson, who has performed badly since his election about four years ago, unable to halt the drift.
The defectors led by Chief Timi Alaibe, a former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission and ex-Special Adviser to President Umaru Yar’Adua on the Amnesty Programme and Chief Alex Ekiotenne, a former Honorary Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson, are headed to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At least 700 political leaders of the PDP and their supporters in the state are expected to be formally received by Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; National Chairman, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, members of the party’s NEC and APC state governors next Saturday during a formal declaration ceremony in Yenagoa, the capital.
They notable names are Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; former Acting Governors Nestor Binabo and Werinipre Seibarugu; former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; Senator John Brambaifa, Senator Clever Ikisipo, Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, a former House of Representatives member, Dr. Stella Dorgu; a former NDDC chairman, Prof. Tarila Tebepah; Rear Admiral FBI Porbeni (retd.); former members of the House of Representatives – Christopher Enai, Warman Ogoriba, Bonus Indiamaowei, Nelson Belief, Nadu Karibo; former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gideon Ekeowe; and former Deputy Speaker, Fini Angaye.
Others are former civil commissioners, Lionel Jonathan-Omo, Chief Alex Ekiotenne (himself), Charity Vedalago, Sylvanus Abila, Chief Abeke Ebikake, Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, Godknows Powell, Capt. Matthew Karim (retd.), Chief Nathan Egba, Topido Amananagha, Ebitimi Amgbaye and Frank Oputu.
