PDP Aspirant, 200 Others Defect to APDA in Jonathan’s Home Town

At least 200 kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Advanced Peoples Democratic Party Alliance (APDA).

Led by Mr. Azibataman Johnbull, a lawyer, the defectors, who protested in Yenagoa, the state capital, lamented that an unpopular candidate and incumbent member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mietema Obodor, was imposed on them by godfathers in the council.

According to them, their preferred candidate for Ogbia constituency 1, was unjustly rigged out of the House of Assembly primary election the PDP organised in Otuoke, Jonathan’s hometown.

The aggrieved party members vowed to demystify ‘godfatherism’ in the local government by supporting their candidate, Johnbull, in APDA to defeat Obodor, whom they said is the candidate of the godfathers.

Johnbull, who alleged that himself and his supporters were unfairly treated during Friday’s primary election of the PDP in Otuoke, said he would actualise his ambition in the new party.

“The destiny of our people and their socio-political and economic prospects were again tied to the dictates, whims and caprices of godfathers, selected delegates some of whom are girls friends, biological brothers and sisters of the purported winner of the primaries.

“The PDP fell into the grave error and lost an ample opportunity to free our people from the gripe of these individuals and their godfathers. The party rather chose to entrust our flag to those, who had consistently worked to undermine our party and the restoration government of Governor Seriake Dickson.

“The greatest crime of the governor was his decision to interface directly with majority of our people as against the age-long tradition of consulting a select few and their godfathers,” Johnbull said.

He added: “in the buildup to the PDP primaries, they had boasted that the governor has no choice but to support them, else they would ensure the collapse of the PDP in Ogbia. They are PDP members during the day but belong to other political parties in the night.

“Surprisingly, they turned the Government House to a begging plaza, prostrating and begging the governor to assist them secure a party ticket forgetting that they also have over 15,000 voters to beg for a second term.

“The voices for change are getting louder and the people’s resolve in that respect is amazing. Whereas the spirits and souls of the majority of our people remain in the PDP, the platform to secure their future going forward has now changed.

“That platform is APDA. APDA is a people-driven and focused political party totally committed to building a new peaceful Nigeria and working for its unity and progress. We shall defeat the candidate of the PDP at the general election and restore unity and dignity to our great constituency and the Ogbia Kingdom.”