The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has called on new members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpe gave the charge on Tuesday at Government House in Yenagoa while receiving a fresh wave of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ruling party.
Among the prominent figures who defected were former PDP state secretary, Deacon James Agari, Mr. Richard Perekeme, a technical adviser on special duties and former PDP legal adviser, as well as a serving councillor representing Ward Six in Sagbama Local Government Area.
The deputy governor described their defection as a sign of growing confidence in the administration of Governor Douye Diri and the APC’s leadership in the state. He maintained that the government does not rely on coercion or financial inducement to attract members from opposition parties.
According to him, the APC remains open to all entrants and is committed to recognising the political value and contributions of new members. He urged party faithful in Sagbama and across the state to work together to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the next election cycle.
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Akpe stressed that unity, peace and tolerance within the party would be critical in consolidating its position and achieving electoral success. He added that the primary objective remains delivering victory for President Tinubu and APC candidates at all levels in 2027.
Speaking at the event, the APC senatorial vice chairman for Bayelsa West, Mr. Akuakwa B. Akuakwa, welcomed the defectors and described their decision as a positive step that would boost the party’s chances in future elections. He called for cooperation among members to ensure strong performance across the state.
In his remarks, Deacon James Agari said their decision to leave the PDP was driven by internal challenges within the party and a desire to align with the current administration in Bayelsa. He praised Governor Diri’s leadership style and said the move was in the best interest of the state and its people.
Agari noted that the group had carefully reviewed the political situation before deciding to join the APC, adding that they were committed to supporting the government’s development agenda.
The latest defections highlight shifting political alignments in Bayelsa as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
