By Our Correspondent
National News – The newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress has recorded a major political boost in Bayelsa State after several prominent politicians and supporters defected from other political groups to the party in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Former Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant, Reuben Okoya, ex-Finance Commissioner Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles, members of the Obidient Movement in Bayelsa, businessman Diepreye Leghemo, and PDP women mobiliser Esther Saiyo officially joined the NDC as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The defectors were received at the NDC state secretariat by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, who urged members to remain committed to the party’s ideology of service, unity, and people-focused governance.
Cleopas described the NDC as a growing political platform determined to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
He also praised the party’s founder, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for investing his political strength in building the movement ahead of future elections.
Speaking during the event, Cleopas said political power must be fought for through determination, organisation, and public trust.
He described Reuben Okoya as disciplined, intelligent, and committed to transparent leadership, adding that his entrance into the party would strengthen the NDC’s political structure in Bayelsa State and beyond.
Okoya, an architect from Yenagoa Local Government Area, explained that he joined the NDC after carefully studying several political parties following his resignation from the PDP.
According to him, the NDC’s ideology aligns with his vision of people-oriented leadership and grassroots development.
Also addressing supporters, former House of Representatives aspirant Diepreye Leghemo pledged to work with party leaders and members to make the NDC a formidable opposition force before the 2027 elections.
The party has continued attracting influential politicians nationwide, including supporters linked to former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.
