Hon. Fyneman Wilson, a former political adviser to ex-Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wilson described his former party as lacking direction and internal democracy. The defection marks a significant political shift in Bayelsa State, coming shortly after a Federal High Court in Lokoja ordered the deregistration of the NDC.
Wilson Announces Defection at Yenagoa Reception
Wilson, regarded as a close associate of Dickson, formally announced his defection on Monday before leading supporters from different parts of Bayelsa State into the APC at a reception held in Yenagoa, according to Daily Trust. During the event, Wilson said the NDC had become a “sole proprietorship” and a “one-man show” with little prospect for growth. He stated that these concerns informed his decision to leave the party and align with the APC.
Several senior APC figures attended the reception, including Bayelsa Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi, the party’s state secretary Odoji Japan, and other stakeholders. Their presence underscored the APC’s efforts to consolidate gains from the NDC’s turmoil.
Wave of Defections Hits Sagbama Local Government Area
The APC has also recorded fresh defections in Toru Orua, Dickson’s hometown in Sagbama Local Government Area. Party officials said several members of the NDC, including youth and women leaders, joined the ruling party over the weekend. According to the APC, those who defected cited confidence in the party’s leadership and political direction as reasons for their decision.
The Federal High Court judgment ordering the NDC’s deregistration has triggered a wave of defections, particularly in Sagbama, the home base of the party’s national leader. The court ruling has created uncertainty within the NDC, prompting some members to seek political shelter in the APC.
NDC Dismisses Defections as Insignificant
The NDC dismissed suggestions that the defections reflected a weakening of its support in Bayelsa. A party spokesperson stated: “Normally, at this point in the political season, windows of alignment and realignment will open, so this is not strange. However, that does not mean the NDC is weak. We are also receiving massive defections from the APC, which happens to be the ruling party in the state. Politics is about interest, but we are focused and moving forward with our agenda.”
The spokesperson added: “The NDC has an organic support base. Some of these characters might have been with us initially, but they did not align with our standards. It is possible they are trying to pursue new political aspirations, but we remain focused. We are people of conviction, and we know where we are going. Everybody knows that Toru-Orua is the home of our national leader, and he enjoys overwhelming support from his hometown. It is as simple as a ratio of one to a hundred, if 99 people are standing on one side, the one who crosses over to the APC is insignificant.”
Obi’s Media Office Reacts to NDC Court Ruling
Previously, the media office of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, described the recent High Court judgment in Lokoja on the legal status of the party as a temporary obstacle. The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) said its legal team will challenge the decision. POMR stated that the party’s lawyers were already reviewing the judgment with a view to filing an appeal.
