DEFECTION: Akpe Urges APC New Members to Work for Tinubu’s Re-election
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has called on newly defected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work diligently towards ensuring victory for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Akpe made the call on Tuesday while receiving defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Government House in Yenagoa.
Leading the group of defectors were former PDP State Secretary, Deacon James Agari; Technical Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and former PDP Legal Adviser, Mr. Richard Perekeme; and a serving Councillor representing Ward Six in Sagbama Local Government Area, Ebipere Napoleon.
The Deputy Governor expressed satisfaction with their decision to join the APC, describing it as a genuine demonstration of solidarity with the Prosperity Government led by Douye Diri. He noted that their defection would further strengthen efforts toward sustaining peace, development, and progress in the state.
Dr. Akpe dismissed allegations that the administration uses coercion or financial inducement to attract opposition members, emphasizing that the government allows individuals to make independent political choices.
According to him, the APC welcomes new members wholeheartedly without pressure, assuring the defectors that their contributions and political influence would be duly recognized within the party.
He urged party members, particularly in Sagbama Local Government Area, to unite and build a formidable political structure capable of delivering electoral success across all levels.
“Our primary mandate is to secure victory for the President and all APC candidates, from the national level down to the wards,” he stated, while also stressing the importance of unity, peace, and tolerance among party members.
Also speaking, the APC Senatorial Vice Chairman (West), Mr. Akuakwa B. Akuakwa, formally received the defectors, describing their move as timely and strategic. He encouraged party members in the zone to work together to ensure success in future elections.
In his remarks, leader of the delegation, Deacon James Agari, attributed their defection to what he described as the collapse of the PDP and the need to align with the leadership of Governor Douye Diri.
Agari commended the Governor’s inclusive style of governance, noting that their decision was reached after careful consideration and consultation with supporters.
He added that joining the APC was necessary to remain politically relevant and to contribute meaningfully to the development of Bayelsa State.
