Their defections have been perfected, and the official ceremony would be done when Governor Seriake Dickson returns from his visit outside the state.
Alfred Belemote Watson, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Gideon Ekeowe, the former Secretary to the State Government during the administration of Timipre Sylva, have dumped their political parties, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressive Congress (APC), respectively, for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While Watson, a member representing Brass Constituency II is defecting to the PDP due to alleged pressure and cases of exclusion, Ekeowe, who served as State Agent of the APC during the 2016 governorship election, is defecting due to alleged irreconcilable difference with his former boss over the affairs of the party in the state.
Sources said their defections have been perfected, and the official ceremony would be done when the Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson, returns from his visit outside the state.
The defection by the APGA legislator was a strategic means by which he intends to secure a second term ticket to return to the State Assembly and ward off rising opposition who have indicated the interest to replace him.
Among top contenders for the Brass Constituency II seat are the Special Advisers to the State Governor, Austin Adigio, Timi Amupo Agala, Esau Andrew from Odioma community and one Amachree.
It was also gathered that Watson's efforts to defect to the APC was frustrated by some stakeholders of the party, who allegedly misinformed the leader of the party, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Aide to the defecting lawmaker, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the defection plan, insisting that the decision to dump APGA was after due consultation with the Brass Constituency.