Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, will formally defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today Monday.
This is as he stated that the decision was taken in the “overall interest” of the state.
The governor made the comments on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day in Yenagoa, ahead of his official reception into the APC on Monday.
This was his first public address since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
Governor Diri defended his move, suggesting that while it might not be immediately popular, it was a necessary step for the state’s welfare.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa,” Governor Diri told attendees at the service. “Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
He emphasised that politics should be a tool for development rather than division and expressed pleasure at the show of unity, with political leaders from various parties present at the event.
“The peace and security we enjoy today are also reasons for gratitude. Politics should be for development, not to destroy your brother. The gathering here is a testimony to the unity in our state,” he said.
The governor’s defection received endorsement from key figures within the APC. The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the thanksgiving for the first time, described Governor Diri as a “unifier.”
He argued that the governor’s move was “timely,” noting that Bayelsa could not afford to remain in opposition while crucial national decisions were being made.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, praised Governor Diri’s developmental record, calling him a “godsend to Bayelsa.”
The event also featured a goodwill message from Delta State, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s representative urging Bayelsans to remain united for the state’s progress.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; several federal and state lawmakers, and traditional rulers including the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Also present was Chief David Lyon, the 2019 APC governorship candidate whose victory was nullified by the Supreme Court shortly before his inauguration in 2020, paving the way for Governor Diri’s emergence.
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