The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bayelsa State has suffered a major setback in the home state of its national leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, following the defection of key members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defectors, led by the winner of the party’s House of Assembly primary for Sagbama Constituency II, Deacon Felix Wilson, said they were leaving the party because of alleged maltreatment.

Deacon Wilson, who disclosed this at the office of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, explained that his defection was driven by irreconcilable challenges within the NDC after his name was allegedly removed and replaced with that of Michael Magbisa, whom he defeated in the primary election.

“I am a candidate for Sagbama Constituency Two under NDC. I want people of my constituency, in particular, to know that NDC is not a good party; I would not have returned to my former party and family. Now I am in APC, which is a party of progress, and I am in the progressive party,” he said.

Wilson stated that he joined the APC with all his supporters, who have been with him for several years.

He expressed delight that the APC received him and his team with open arms and a good heart, and pledged his commitment to the party’s growth and electoral success.

Also, another defector, Mr Saheed Umar, who was the NDC Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area, declared his exit from the party and pledged loyalty to the APC.

According to him, “as a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in APC.”

Receiving the defectors, who were all waving the APC broom symbol, Dr Akpe welcomed them into the party and urged them to work for its unity and growth, as well as the development of the state and the consolidation of the Prosperity Administration.

The other defectors were Victor Egba, NDC Ogbia Constituency I aspirant; Gilbert Alawei; Agidi George; Azibola Oru; Solomon Etor; Fineman Eseimokumo; and Munteuma Clifford. (The Sun)