ELEBELE ERUPTS AS THOUSANDS DUMP APC FOR PDP; TURNAH, MACIVER LEAD HISTORIC RECEPTION OF 'ONE MILLION MAN'

...PDP unveils immediate N20 million support for Elebele monarch's palace, says "Joy is coming" for Bayelsans

Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, stood still on Sunday as thousands of men, women, youths, traditional stakeholders and supporters converged on the community in what has been described as one of the largest political gatherings in recent times, to witness the formal defection of Hon. (Engr.) Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as "One Million Man," from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The colourful event, which assumed the atmosphere of a political carnival, attracted an unprecedented crowd that flooded the venue hours before the commencement of proceedings, signalling what many observers described as a major political realignment in Ogbia Constituency III and the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.

Leading the high-powered PDP delegation was the State Chairman of the Party, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, alongside the Leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State, His Excellency Great Joshua MacIver. They were joined by members of the State Working Committee, National and Zonal officers of the Party, local government executives, party stakeholders, candidates for various elective positions, women and youth leaders, as well as supporters from across the state, who officially welcomed Hon. Claudius, his supporters, and thousands of other defectors into the PDP.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Bayelsa PDP Chairman declared that the massive turnout had once again demonstrated the enduring dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party across the state.

"Today, PDP has shown that Bayelsa is PDP and PDP is Bayelsa. We came here to receive One Million Man and his supporters, but what we have witnessed today is the return of the true owners of the mandate. The overwhelming crowd here confirms beyond doubt that Elebele remains a PDP community."

Turnah commended the people of Elebele for their unwavering loyalty to the PDP over the years, describing the community as one of the strongest political blocs in Ogbia Local Government Area.

He recalled that despite Elebele's population and immense political strength, the community had remained largely neglected until the PDP began deliberately creating opportunities for its sons and daughters through strategic appointments and elective offices.

The State Chairman cited the emergence of Elebele indigenes into key political positions, including the Secretary of Ogbia Local Government Council, a Member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the office of Chief Whip of the State Assembly, and several appointments within the PDP structure.

He also acknowledged his Media Assistant, Pastor Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, as one of the notable sons of Elebele serving the Party.

Turnah disclosed that before arriving at the rally venue, the PDP leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Kingdom, His Royal Highness David Osene (Ogbolo XI).

He expressed disappointment over the condition of the King's palace, describing it as unbefitting for a kingdom of Elebele's historical and political importance.

According to him, the PDP had resolved to immediately commence the construction of a befitting palace for the monarch as a demonstration of appreciation for the community's relentless support.

He announced that the Leader of the Party in Bayelsa State, His Excellency Great Joshua MacIver, had immediately committed an initial 20 million naira towards the project, alongside a trailer-load of cement by himself, to ensure that work begins without delay.

Turnah explained that although the PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Ogbia Constituency III, Hon. Mrs. Freeman Aniedim Ezowede, had earlier promised to undertake the project upon election, the Party leadership considered the condition of the existing palace too urgent to wait until after the elections.

While noting that the rally was not a campaign event, Turnah used the opportunity to reaffirm the PDP's commitment to restoring prosperity to Bayelsa.

He criticised the current administration over what he described as worsening poverty, unemployment and declining living standards despite the enormous financial resources accruing to the state.

The PDP Chairman challenged the government to publicly provide evidence of meaningful empowerment programmes carried out through its youth and women development centres over the last six years.

According to him, Bayelsans deserve a government that invests in people, creates opportunities, empowers youths and women, stimulates enterprise, and ensures that public resources translate into improved living standards.

He assured the gathering that the PDP would unveil a comprehensive development agenda during the official campaign period, declaring emphatically that "Joy is coming."

Leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State, His Excellency Great Joshua MacIver, congratulated Hon. Gabriel Claudius for what he described as a courageous and timely political decision.

He maintained that the PDP remained focused on reclaiming power through democratic means and urged party supporters to remain steadfast and committed.

MacIver reminded members that elections are won through organisation, commitment and perseverance, stressing that victory only comes when votes are counted and declared.

He expressed confidence that the PDP would secure significant victories in the forthcoming elections across the State Assembly, National Assembly and other elective offices.

Addressing the crowd, Hon. (Engr.) Gabriel Claudius, expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party for the warm reception accorded him and his supporters, assuring the Party of his commitment to mobilising massive grassroots support towards overwhelming victory in the forthcoming elections. He stated that his decision to return to the PDP was driven by his firm conviction that the Party remains the most credible platform to deliver meaningful development, inclusive governance, and genuine democratic leadership for Elebele, Ogbia, and Bayelsa State. He further called on those who were still outside the PDP to retrace their steps and return to what he described as their original political family, stressing that the PDP remains the true home for all Bayelsans who desire progress, unity, and people-centred governance.

Also addressing the gathering, the PDP Candidate for Ogbia Constituency III House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Freeman Aniedim Ezowede, Bayelsa East Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Barr. Joseph Ateki Boabofa, and the Ogbia Local Government PDP Chairman, Hon. Ofoni Morgan, welcomed the defectors and assured them that the PDP remains a united family committed to justice, inclusion and development.

The speakers urged the people of Elebele and the entire Ogbia Constituency III to remain united behind the Party ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Earlier in the day, the PDP delegation paid consultation visits to the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Community, HRH David Osene (Ogbolo XI), as well as respected community leaders across Ogbia Constituency III, including Chief I. I. Afagha and Chief Okpu Akataka amongst others.

During the visits, the Party formally presented its candidates for the forthcoming elections and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance, community development and sustained engagement with traditional institutions.

Political watchers have described the massive turnout and the defection of Hon. Gabriel Claudius and his supporters as a significant boost to the fortunes of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogbia Local Government Area.

The event has further demonstrated the PDP's growing momentum across Bayelsa State and reinforced widespread confidence in the Party's preparations ahead of the forthcoming electioneering season.