The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating development in Elebele Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, following the defection of a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” and his supporters to the party.
Residents of Elebele turned out in large numbers at the community town hall over the weekend to welcome the Bayelsa State leadership of the PDP, led by the party’s chairman, Hon. George Alabo Turner, who formally received the defectors alongside party leader, Chief Great Joshua MacIver, and other party stalwarts.
Addressing the gathering, Turner described the defection as another clear indication of the PDP’s enduring popularity and political dominance in Bayelsa State.
“Today has shown that Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. 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 declared.
He commended the people of Elebele and Ogbia Ward 8 for their steadfast support for the PDP, assuring them that the community would continue to enjoy the dividends of its loyalty through sustained development projects.
According to Turner, despite being one of the largest and most politically active communities in Ogbia, Elebele had for years received little political recognition until the PDP began appointing its sons and daughters into key government positions.
He recalled that the party facilitated the appointment of Elebele’s first Secretary of the Ogbia Local Government Area, supported the election of an indigene into the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who later became Chief Whip, and secured several other strategic appointments for the community.
The PDP chairman also announced an immediate intervention to construct 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 ₦20 million had already been approved for the project, stressing that construction would begin 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,” Turner said.
While noting that the gathering was not a campaign event, he hinted that the PDP would unveil additional development initiatives for Elebele when electioneering officially begins.
He also expressed confidence that the party would restore prosperity to Bayelsa through programmes focused on economic growth, youth empowerment and community development.
In his remarks, PDP leader Chief Great Joshua MacIver expressed confidence that Hon. George Alabo Turner would lead the party to victory in the 2028 governorship election, insisting that the PDP remained well-positioned to reclaim Government House.
MacIver urged party members to remain united, committed and focused, describing politics as a venture that demands resilience, hard work and sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He assured party faithful that the PDP possesses the structure, experience and capacity to win key National Assembly and Bayelsa State House of Assembly seats across the state.
He identified Ogbia Constituency III as one of the constituencies the party was determined to reclaim and urged the PDP House of Assembly candidate to remain steadfast.
MacIver also praised Turner for keeping the party united despite political realignments in the state, describing him as a courageous and dependable leader.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Comrade Gabriel Claudius pledged his unwavering commitment to the PDP, promising to work with his supporters to strengthen the party and ensure victory in future elections.
The event was attended by PDP candidates for the National Assembly, party leaders and supporters from across Bayelsa State, including Joseph Ateki Boabofa, Bayelsa East Senatorial District; Ebebi Onduakpo Polycarp, Bayelsa West Senatorial District; Erepamo Richard Akinaka, Bayelsa Central Senatorial District; Marlon Linton Ebi-Eredei, Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency; Highlife Humphrey Peremobowei, Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency; Elvis Bourdillon Doukemezuo, Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency; Christopher Ebinimi Peters, Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency; and Oruanye Kopuamologi Daniel, Ogbia Federal Constituency.
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