A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Reuben Okoya, and a former Commissioner for Finance, Prof. Silva Opuala-Charles, have defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Also joining the NDC were members of the Obidient Movement in Bayelsa State and other supporters.
A businessman and politician, Diepreye Leghemo, also moved to the party with his followers, while a women mobiliser in the PDP, Esther Saiyo, defected alongside her supporters.
The defectors were received at the NDC state secretariat in Yenagoa on Wednesday by the party’s national chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas.
Cleopas urged the new members to first believe in the ideology of the party’s leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, before pursuing political ambitions.
He said the party’s ideology was anchored on service to the people.
The NDC chairman described the party as a political platform for Nigerians seeking good governance.
He also warned that the political contest ahead would be tough and would require committed members.
Cleopas said, “Don’t be afraid! Political power is not given but contended for. Until they see the power element in you, they won’t give it to you. You must be ready and convinced in your mind that you can take over.
“Senator Seriake Dickson does not invest in a fight that he won’t win. He has invested all his political capital in the NDC and he cannot afford to fail.”
The national chairman described Okoya as decent, focused, intelligent and incorruptible. He said the former coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council represented the values of the NDC.
Cleopas added that Okoya had shown a willingness to serve the people.
