By Abdullahi Abdulrahman, Yenagoa
National News – A cousin to Governor Douye Diri and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Youth Coalition, Comrade Doubra Kumokou, has officially defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), pledging to mobilise youths across the eight local government areas of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kumokou, popularly known as the “Youth Governor” of Bayelsa State, made the declaration yesterday during his formal defection alongside a coalition of over 100 youth groups into the NDC.
Speaking during the event, Kumokou thanked party members for the warm reception, stating that elections are won through numbers and that joining the NDC was a strategic decision for the future of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
“Today we have joined the NDC because we are convinced that the leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, has raised and developed leaders in the past. We believe this is the new movement to associate with at a time like this,” he said.
Kumokou recalled Dickson’s tenure as governor, noting that his administration focused on human capital development and infrastructural growth across the state.
“We started with the Restoration agenda, and he did a lot as governor. He developed people and the state. This is a man you can believe in. His politics is about development, and that is one of the reasons I have stood firm with him,” Kumokou stated.
He further urged youths and women to rally behind Dickson, noting that despite criticisms in the past, the former governor has emerged as a key political figure in Bayelsa.
“Dickson was called names for doing nothing wrong, but today he has emerged as the political leader Bayelsa people have been waiting for. I urge youths across the eight local government areas to join us as we mobilise for victory,” he added.
In his remarks, National Chairman of NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, described Kumokou’s defection as a major boost to the party, noting that his grassroots influence would strengthen the party’s structure ahead of future elections.
Cleopas described the NDC as the “Ark of Noah,” stating that the gathering was to welcome new members into a movement poised to rescue the country.
“Doubra is a grassroots mobiliser who has joined us today to strengthen the party, not to cause division. We understand his value and the influence he commands among youths, and that is a major strategic gain for us,” Cleopas said.
He added that the party belongs to all Nigerians and urged members to spread the NDC message across communities.
“Everybody is entitled to own this party. Claim it and take it. You will soon see movements from across the country that will surprise many people. Registration has started, so take the message to your villages and families and register in mass,” he stated.
Cleopas also praised the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, describing him as a politician of conviction who consistently speaks truth to power.
“They know in this country that there is one man who stands on the side of the people, and that politician is Seriake Dickson,” he added.
Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Chairman of NDC, Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, urged members to continue spreading the party’s message, describing the NDC as an inclusive platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Ikuromo praised Senator Dickson for what he described as bringing “light to political darkness” in Bayelsa and Nigeria, stressing that the time for meaningful change through the NDC had come.
“Dickson is a defender of the Ijaw nation and a defender of multi-party democracy in Nigeria. Our party is made up of people of great character. We are associated with victory, and we will conquer,” Ikuromo said.
He called on party faithful to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
