…as PDP receives defectors from APC
From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday received a key Political Stakeholder in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gabriel Claudius known as One Million Man was a staunch members of APC in the state before defecting to the PDP with his large crowd of supporters who defected along side with him.
Receiving One Million Man with his large crowd of supporters, the state chairman of People’s Democratic party (PDP) Barr. George Alabh Turnar said, today has shown that Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. Saying we are here to receive One Million Man and his supporters back to their party. “With this crowd, it is confirmed that Elebele is for the PDP,” he said.
According to Turnar, PDP is the only party that can salvage the state from poverty that the APC lead by governor Douye Diri has plunged Bayelsa and Bayelsans into. “They promised Bayelsans prosperity,but what we are seeing everywhere is poverty. They opened center for Youths Development and they have not developed any youth, they open center for women empowerment, but no single woman has been empowered”.
“Bayelsa ranked second most poorest state in Nigeria according to Bureau of Statistics Office, with all the billions that the governor has received and still receiving. We cannot continue like this as a state”.
“We not here to campaign because the campaign time has not started, but we are here to welcome one million man and his supporters. PDP is the only party that have given us vice president, acting president and president. We cannot abandoned the party that has given so much to us”
Turnar described the defection as further proof of the PDP’s dominance in Bayelsa. He thanked the people of Elebele and Ogbia Ward 8 for their loyalty to the party, assuring them that the PDP would continue to reward their supporters with meaningful development.
He noted that although Elebele has one of the largest and most politically active populations in Ogbia, the community had for years received limited political recognition until the PDP began appointing its sons and daughters into key positions.
According to him, the party facilitated the emergence of Elebele’s first Secretary of the Ogbia Local Government Area, secured the election of a member representing the area in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who later became Chief Whip, and appointed several indigenes into strategic positions.
The PDP chairman also announced an immediate intervention to build a befitting palace for the traditional ruler of Elebele after party leaders observed the poor condition of the existing palace during a courtesy visit.
He disclosed that the party had already approved ₦20 million for the project, stressing that construction would commence immediately rather than waiting until after the next election.
“We are not going to wait until after the election. We have seen the condition of the palace and it is not befitting of Elebele. Our leaders have already provided ₦20 million, and work will commence immediately. I will also supported the construction of the palace with one trailer of cement”, he said.
In his remarks, PDP leader Great Joshua Maciver declared that the Bayelsa PDP chairman would lead the party to victory in the 2028 governorship election, expressing confidence that the PDP would return to Government House.
Maciver urged party faithful to remain committed and prepare for the political contest ahead, describing politics as requiring determination, hard work and sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He assured PDP candidates that the party possessed the capacity, structure and experience to secure victories in key National Assembly and State Assembly seats across Bayelsa.
Maciver singled out Ogbia Constituency III as one of the constituencies the PDP was determined to reclaim, urging the party’s House of Assembly candidate to remain focused and fearless.
“The Tsunami that is coming will be huge in the next election. Come February 2028, we are taking over Creek Haven and we assure of 70 percent of House of Assembly seats in the state”.
Earlier, Comrade Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” pledged to work tirelessly with his supporters to strengthen the PDP and ensure the party records victories in future elections, including reclaiming Government House.
