NDC Build More Momentum, As Dickson Welcomes Youth Governor, Doubara Kumokou

By Preye Bagou, Yenagoa

The Founder and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has graciously welcomed a prominent youth leader from Bayelsa popularly called the Youth Governor, Comrade Doubara Kumokou from the Peoples Democratic Party to NDC.

Senator Dickson, who made this known through his official facebook handle, thanked the youth governor for believing in the vision of NDC, to embrace the party with over one thousand (1,000) supporters from various local government areas.

Hotnews gathered that Comrade Doubara Kumokou officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday 4, April, 2026, at NDC Secretariat in Yenagoa.

Senator Dickson thanked the NDC National Chairman, State Chairman, and other officers of the party, as well as elders, women and youths who participated in the defection rally at the state party secretariat.

Hotnews quote Dickson statement, and it read in parts: “I have just been sent pictures and videos of the very impressive defection rally of Comrade Doubara Kumokou, alias Youth Governor, in Yenagoa, who defected to the NDC with over 1,000 supporters in a very carnival-like ceremony.

“I thank him for believing in the NDC vision, and for expressing appreciation and gratitude to me for the friendship, confidence, and political support, which led me to support his brother to become the governor of our state.

“I also thank the National Chairman, State Chairman, and all the officers of the NDC, as well as the elders, youths, and women who participated in the defection rally. I am particularly impressed with the peaceful manner in which the rally was conducted. That is the Bayelsa of peace, stability, and tolerance that I laid the foundation for, and paid a heavy price to achieve. I am happy that my successor, the current governor, is following that path of tolerance.

“A few weeks ago, in my own community, my relations—who defected with the governor to the APC—held a sensitization rally. When my attention was drawn to it, as usual, I instructed that no one should obstruct them. That has been my pattern throughout my political life. Everybody has the right to belong to any political party of their choice, or to support any candidate of their choice. Political differences are legitimate; ambitions are legitimate. Differences are only settled at the polls, not through violence or intimidation.

“I am glad that this is becoming a culture and should not be taken for granted. We need to continue to promote and practice this culture of tolerance and accommodation, even when we disagree politically. I have tried to demonstrate this all my life, and I am pleased that today’s defection rally was conducted without incident.

“I commend this culture of tolerance and recommend it to all political players across all local governments in Bayelsa State. People should learn from this—that it is legitimate for people in my community, including my own relations, to belong to parties other than my own. It is also normal for the governor’s relations to defect in a massive rally into a party different from the governor’s party. That is mature politics.

“I urge everyone to build on this progress, rather than return Bayelsa to those dark days when political rallies and campaign venues were bombed and attacked—practices I worked hard to stop. I also put an end to the practice of banishing people from their communities. I ensured they were returned under police and security escort and allowed to live peacefully in their homes. I believe Bayelsa should continue on this path of peaceful, mature politics, where disagreements are resolved at the polls.

“Finally, I call on those in local government areas who have in the past engaged in violence and intimidation during elections to embrace change. The world is moving forward, and Bayelsa—and all its local governments—must not be left behind.

“Our state is now more connected, and it is likely that there will be both local and international observers in all elections. With more motorable towns and the growing influence of social media, where every phone is a camera, it is important that our people are not given a bad name during elections.

“Once again, I congratulate the Youth Governor for joining our party. The NDC is a new platform for a new brand of politics—one rooted in service.

“I congratulate all and wish Bayelsa the very best.

~ Hot News Reporters
Sunday 5, April, 2026