The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the final piece in consolidating the party’s dominance in the South-South region.
Keyamo, in a post on X on Monday, was reacting to the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda’s welcome message to Diri.
He wrote, “Finally, the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the S/South has moved into place! Officially, five of the six states of the South/South are now in APC, whilst the sixth has a leader and Minister in active, open support of Mr. President.”
“From a position of absolute weakness in 2015, 2019 and 2023 to a position of absolute advantage and strength ahead of 2027! Welcome home, Governor Duoye Diri!” Keyamo added.
Echoing the sentiment, the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, also welcomed the governor, posting on X, “The Broom Revolution. Welcome to our family and party, Governor Douye Diri.”
Governor Diri, who had resigned from the PDP on October 15 citing “obvious reasons,” explained his decision on Sunday at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day in Yenagoa. The governor stated that his move was motivated by the overall interest of the state.
“Someone had to make the move and I did so on behalf of Bayelsans,” Diri said.
He added, “Although some people might not immediately understand my decision to join the ruling party, time will reveal that it was driven by altruistic motives.”
Keyamo’s statement positions the APC as having gained a “position of absolute advantage and strength” in a region where it had previously been considered weak, highlighting the strategic importance of Diri’s move to the ruling party.
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