Brother to Bayelsa Governor Joins NDC, Boosts Party’s Hopes. By Chris Mark
Brother to Bayelsa Governor Joins NDC, Boosts Party’s Hopes
By Chris Mark
Comrade Doubra Okumouku, brother to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Comrade Doubara Okumouku, fondly referred to as the Youth Governor, has resigned from the People’s Democratic Party, citing alignment with evolving political convictions and aspirations as his reasons for defection.
Speaking at the NDC secretariat in Yenagoa on Saturday, April 4, Senator Cleopas Moses, the party’s National Chairman, welcomed Doubra Okumouku and over five thousand supporters who defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). He described Okumouku’s defection as a significant boost to the party, highlighting his grassroots influence as a key factor in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of future elections
Cleopas likened the NDC to the “Ark of Noah,” stating that the gathering was to welcome new members into a movement poised to rescue the country.
“Doubra is a grassroots mobiliser who has joined us today to strengthen the party, not to cause division. We understand his value and the influence he commands among youths, and that is a major strategic gain for us,” Cleopas said.
He added that the party belongs to all Nigerians and urged members to spread the NDC message across communities.
“Everybody is entitled to own this party. Claim it and take it. You will soon see movements from across the country that will surprise many people. Registration has started, so take the message to your villages and families and register in mass,” he stated.
Cleopas also praised the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, describing him as a politician of conviction who consistently speaks truth to power.
“They know in this country that there is one man who stands on the side of the people, and that politician is Seriake Dickson,” he added.
Speaking earlier during the event, Kumokou thanked party members for the warm reception, stating that elections are won through numbers and that joining the NDC was a strategic decision for the future of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
“Today we have joined the NDC because we are convinced that the leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson, has raised and developed leaders in the past. We believe this is the new movement to associate with at a time like this,” he said.
Kumokou who is also Chairman of the Bayelsa State Youth Coalition, recalled Dickson’s tenure as governor, noting that his administration focused on human capital development and infrastructural growth across the state.
“We started with the Restoration agenda, and he did a lot as governor. He developed people and the state. This is a man you can believe in. His politics is about development, and that is one of the reasons I have stood firm with him,” Kumokou stated.
He further urged youths and women to rally behind Dickson, noting that despite criticisms in the past, the former governor has emerged as a key political figure in Bayelsa.
“Dickson was called names for doing nothing wrong, but today he has emerged as the political leader Bayelsa people have been waiting for. I urge youths across the eight local government areas to join us as we mobilise for victory,” he added.
Meanwhile new members were seen registering in their numbers while the defection was taking place.
