A four-term member of the House of Representatives representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Fred Agbedi, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains “a party of the people” despite the internal crisis and wave of defections affecting the party in Bayelsa State and across the country.
Agbedi, who currently leads the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives as well as the South-South caucus, stated this while speaking during the week on his senatorial ambition, the state of the PDP, governance, and his legislative achievements.
The federal lawmaker said his long political experience and years of service in the National Assembly have prepared him for higher legislative responsibilities as he seeks to represent Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the Senate.
“I am a four-term member of the House of Representatives and one of the ranking lawmakers in the National Assembly. My political journey dates back to 1992 during the old Rivers State era,” he said.
According to him, after spending over a decade in the Green Chamber, he believes the time has come to move to the Red Chamber to continue serving the people of Bayelsa West.
Speaking on the lingering crisis within the PDP, Agbedi expressed confidence that the party would recover stronger despite factional disputes and leadership tussles.
“My confidence comes from the judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. These rulings clarified issues surrounding the party leadership,” he stated.
“PDP remains a strong political institution. Despite the crisis, I believe the party will recover. I remain in PDP because I believe in the party and trust that it will come back stronger.”
On reports of parallel PDP structures and factions allegedly selling nomination forms in Bayelsa State, Agbedi maintained that legitimacy and legality would ultimately determine the authentic leadership of the party.
He noted that Solomon Agwana emerged through a duly conducted congress before the internal disputes escalated, stressing that stakeholders in the party were aware of the authentic structure in the state.
Addressing concerns over the recent wave of defections from the PDP in Bayelsa, Agbedi admitted that the development was worrisome but insisted that defections were common in Nigerian politics.
“It would be wrong to say I am not worried, but politics is about resilience,” he said.
“I have been PDP chairman before. I cannot abandon a party that has shaped my political career and contributed to the success of many leaders. PDP is still a party of the people, and I strongly believe it has the capacity to rejuvenate quickly.”
The lawmaker also acknowledged that remaining in the PDP and contesting under its platform was a political risk but insisted that progress often comes with taking risks.
“Life itself is full of risks. Only those who take risks can make progress,” he added.
Speaking on possible contenders for the Bayelsa West Senate seat, Agbedi said only the serving senator was publicly known at the moment, noting that the final list of candidates would be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He, however, expressed confidence in his qualifications and political experience, emphasising that leadership ultimately rests in the hands of the people.
“The voters will decide who represents them, and I trust their judgment,” he said.
Highlighting his achievements in Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Agbedi listed several projects and empowerment programmes facilitated during his tenure.
According to him, these include the construction of concrete landing jetties, renovation and construction of schools, installation of solar street lights in off-grid communities, medical outreach programmes, women’s cooperative grants, youth empowerment initiatives, health centres, and road projects linking riverine communities.
He recalled a particularly emotional intervention involving a child suffering from a serious eye condition, whom he supported through treatment and later awarded a scholarship from kindergarten to university level.
“That, to me, is one of the greatest impacts of leadership,” he said.
On the credibility of future elections, Agbedi urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and protect their votes.
“INEC remains the constitutional umpire of elections, and Nigerians have no alternative. What is important is that voters come out, cast their votes, and protect those votes to ensure they are not manipulated,” he stated.
The lawmaker further assured that environmental challenges affecting Bayelsa communities would remain a priority if elected to the Senate.
He disclosed that he had previously initiated interventions and legislative efforts addressing environmental degradation and had personally visited affected communities including Agge, Asambiri, and Isampou.
“If elected to the Senate, environmental protection and development will remain key priorities,” he assured.
In his message to supporters, Agbedi pledged continued commitment to development and effective representation.
“My responsibility is to attract development, improve lives, and continue fighting for better representation. By God’s grace, I will continue this work and hopefully transition from the Green Chamber to the Red Chamber to serve Bayelsa West at a higher legislative level,” he said.
