Bayelsa: APC Supporters Defect to PDP in Ogbia Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has recorded a fresh wave of defections following the movement of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as "One Million Man," to the party in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area.

The defectors, accompanied by supporters, were received at a rally over the weekend, where PDP leaders described the development as a significant boost to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters, Claudius said the PDP remained strong and ready to reclaim its political position in the state. He expressed confidence that the party would deliver democratic dividends to the people of Elebele and other communities.

Bayelsa PDP Chairman, George Alabh Turnah, described the turnout at the rally as a morale booster for the party. He criticised the administration of Governor Douye Diri, alleging that poverty, unemployment and hardship had worsened despite government promises of prosperity.

Turnah also challenged the state government to identify beneficiaries from Elebele who had been empowered through its Centre for Women and Youth Development. He further claimed that despite increased allocations to Bayelsa, many residents continued to face economic challenges.

Also speaking, Bayelsa PDP leader Joshua MacIver dismissed suggestions that the APC would secure an easy victory in the 2027 elections.

MacIver said the PDP had begun strategic preparations to contest key National Assembly and Bayelsa State House of Assembly seats, expressing confidence that the party would perform strongly at the polls.

Earlier, MacIver paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Elebele, King David Osene Osene (Ogbolo XI), where he expressed concern about the condition of the palace.

He announced a donation of ₦20 million and one trailer load of cement to support the construction of a new palace.

The rally attracted party supporters and community leaders, with the PDP describing the defections as evidence of growing support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Bayelsa State Government and the All Progressives Congress had not responded to the claims made by PDP leaders at the time of filing this report