The Bayelsa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday said the reported defection of Mr Tiwei Orunimighe was of no effect as he was no longer in its fold.

The APC in Bayelsa faulted a claim by Orunimighe, a former Chairman of the party in the state that he is an APC member defecting with his followers to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Bayelsa APC in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Doifie Buokoribo, noted that Orunimighe ceased to be a member of APC when he was expelled in August 2017.

The statement said Orunimighe had the right to join any party of his choice, but to try to use APC as leverage in negotiations with his new party was irresponsible.

“Orunimighe and his group of renegades were expelled” from APC for anti-party activities since August last year by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

“The party advised members of the public to disregard the defection claim by “people who want to join a party of their choice,

“APC in Bayelsa State remains intact, united, strong, and focused,” the statement read in part.

A wave of defection had on June 20, 2018, hit Bayelsa with the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Ibarakumo Otobo, defecting from the PDP to the APC.

Also an aide to Gov. Seriake Dickson, Mr Asari Mangeta defected with the commissioner with their supporters.

Mangeta is the Special Adviser to the governor on Grassroots Mobilisation.