Bayelsa Politician Dumps NDC, Joins APC Amid Party Crisis

A Bayelsa politician has defected from the Niger Delta Congress (NDC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the NDC as a “one-man party” without internal democracy.

The politician, whose move has stirred political discussions in the state, said his decision was driven by frustration with the NDC’s leadership style. He accused the party of concentrating power in the hands of one individual, leaving no room for collective decision-making or grassroots participation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yenagoa, he explained that the NDC had failed to build structures across Bayelsa and lacked the capacity to challenge dominant parties in the state. According to him, the absence of transparency and inclusiveness made it impossible for members to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth.

He noted that his defection to the APC was not sudden but the result of months of consultation with political associates and community leaders. He stressed that the APC offered a more structured platform with opportunities for engagement and representation.

Party officials in the APC welcomed his entry, describing it as a boost to the party’s strength in Bayelsa ahead of future elections. They assured him of full integration into the party’s activities and promised to leverage his grassroots influence to expand APC’s reach in the state.

Political observers say the defection highlights the challenges facing smaller parties in Nigeria, particularly those struggling to establish strong organisational frameworks. Analysts argue that without internal democracy and effective structures, such parties risk losing members to larger platforms with clearer prospects.

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The development also underscores the growing competition between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa. While the PDP remains the ruling party in the state, the APC has continued to attract defectors, positioning itself as a viable alternative.

Civil society groups have urged political parties to prioritise internal democracy, warning that concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals weakens public trust. They emphasised that inclusiveness and accountability are essential for building credible opposition in Nigeria’s political system.

The defection has sparked reactions among NDC members, with some dismissing the politician’s claims as exaggerated. They insisted that the party remains committed to its ideals and accused defectors of seeking personal gain rather than collective progress.

However, the incident has reignited debate about the sustainability of smaller parties in Nigeria’s political landscape. With elections approaching in several states, analysts predict more defections as politicians weigh their chances of winning under different platforms.

For Bayelsa, the move adds another layer to the state’s dynamic political environment, where alliances and defections continue to shape the balance of power. Whether the APC can capitalise on this momentum remains to be seen, but the defection has undoubtedly shifted attention to the party’s growing influence in the Niger Delta.