The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a significant political boost in Bayelsa State on Sunday as Hon. (Engr.) Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP alongside thousands of his supporters in Elebele Community, Ogbia Local Government Area.
The event, which drew a large crowd of party faithful, community leaders, youths, women, and political stakeholders, was described by observers as one of the biggest political gatherings in Ogbia in recent times, highlighting what many see as a major shift in the political landscape of Ogbia Constituency III and the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
The PDP delegation was led by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, and the party’s leader in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver. They were accompanied by members of the State Working Committee, national and zonal party officials, local government executives, candidates for various elective positions, and other stakeholders who officially received the defectors into the party.
Addressing the gathering, Turnah said the massive turnout reflected the PDP’s enduring popularity across Bayelsa, describing Elebele as one of the party’s strongest political strongholds.
He commended the people of Elebele for their continued support and loyalty to the PDP, adding that the party had consistently created opportunities for indigenes of the community through appointments and elective positions.
The PDP chairman noted that Elebele sons and daughters currently occupy strategic positions, including the office of the Secretary of Ogbia Local Government Council, membership of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the position of Chief Whip of the State Assembly, and several roles within the party structure.
Turnah disclosed that before the rally, the PDP leadership paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Kingdom, His Royal Highness David Osene (Ogbolo XI), where they observed the poor condition of the royal palace.
According to him, the party resolved to support the construction of a befitting palace for the monarch. He announced that Great Joshua MacIver had made an immediate commitment of ₦20 million toward the project, while he also pledged a trailer-load of cement to facilitate the commencement of construction.
He explained that although the PDP House of Assembly candidate for Ogbia Constituency III, Hon. Mrs. Freeman Aniedim Ezowede, had intended to execute the project after the election, the party considered the matter too urgent to delay.
Turnah also used the occasion to restate the PDP’s commitment to improving the welfare of Bayelsans, promising that the party would unveil its development agenda during the official campaign period.
He criticized the current administration over what he described as rising poverty, unemployment, and declining living standards despite available resources, insisting that Bayelsans deserve a government that prioritizes youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development.
Leader of the PDP in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver, congratulated Gabriel Claudius on his return to the party, describing the decision as timely and courageous.
He urged party members to remain united and committed, stressing that electoral victory would depend on effective organization, hard work, and perseverance. He expressed confidence that the PDP would perform strongly in the forthcoming elections.
In his remarks, Hon. Gabriel Claudius thanked the PDP leadership for the warm reception accorded him and his supporters. He pledged to mobilize massive grassroots support for the party ahead of the elections, stating that his return was motivated by his belief that the PDP remains the most credible platform to deliver development and inclusive governance in Elebele, Ogbia, and Bayelsa State.
He also called on other politicians and supporters still outside the PDP to return to what he described as their political home.
Other speakers, including the PDP candidate for Ogbia Constituency III, Hon. Mrs. Freeman Aniedim Ezowede; the Bayelsa East Senatorial candidate, Hon. Barr. Joseph Ateki Boabofa; and the Ogbia PDP Chairman, Hon. Ofoni Morgan, welcomed the new members and assured them of fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the party.
Earlier in the day, the PDP delegation also paid consultation visits to the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Kingdom and other prominent community leaders, including Chief I. I. Afagha and Chief Okpu Akataka, where they formally presented the party’s candidates and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to community development, inclusive governance, and sustained engagement with traditional institutions.
Political observers believe the defection of Gabriel Claudius and thousands of his supporters has further strengthened the PDP’s position in Ogbia Local Government Area and could significantly influence the political dynamics ahead of the forthcoming elections in Bayelsa State.