Ex-NDDC boss, 6,000 APC members defect to PDP

Former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC), Prof. Tarila Tebepah led more than 6,000 of his supporters to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A statement issued yesterday by Governor Seriake Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, said the former NNDC boss defected in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State during an interactive meeting with the governor.
Speaking at the meeting, Dickson said the PDP could not afford any distractions, especially now that it is in opposition but intensify efforts at clinching power at the centre.
He stressed the need for politicians to focus on development after elections, in the overall interest of the people and urged them to join hands with the restoration government and the PDP family in the state towards consolidating the achievements already recorded.
“The PDP you left behind is not the same now. At that time we were in control of the Federal Government. But now, as you are all aware, we are in opposition.
“And, if we needed one another at that time, now that we are in opposition, hounded from all corners, this is the time we need ourselves more for the sake of our people, the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. We can’t afford any distractions.
“I don’t extend political fights beyond elections. All of you know, if when we want to fight, we know how to fight politically.
Further, Dickson has re-echoed his call on members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) to close ranks and work together to brighten the prospects of the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Other defectors at the meeting were Ayiba Duba, Gesiye Isowo and Chief Jackson Suokiri, Chief Ben Eyeororokumo, Hon. Stephen Erebor, former Commissioner, Bayelsa West Senatorial district, Chief Augustine Lugbenwei, onetime Chairman, Brass Local Government Council, Mr Nathaniel Ngo-Sylva, Hon. Franklin Otele, and Hon. Charles Emmanuel, among others.