Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Joins APC, Ushering Political Shift

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a well-attended ceremony in Yenagoa, the state capital. The event was graced by top APC leaders including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside several APC state governors from different parts of Nigeria. Senator Konbowei Friday Benson, Senator Benson Agadaga, and the Speaker of the Bayelsa State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, also joined the APC alongside other appointees under the Prosperity Administration.

Vice President Shettima hailed Governor Diri’s defection as a symbol of unity and political integration, describing him as a unifier who has delivered tangible development to Bayelsa. Senate President Akpabio echoed these sentiments, welcoming the governor warmly into the APC family. Shettima characterized the move as “a homecoming” and a demonstrated commitment to national cohesion, emphasizing that Bayelsa had chosen integration over political isolation.

Governor Diri, speaking at the occasion, clarified that his decision was driven by the collective interest of the people of Bayelsa and the broader Ijaw nation, highlighting that Ijaws from neighboring states like Delta, Ondo, and Edo were also present in support. He stressed that the defection was not a personal choice but a strategic step to lead Bayelsa to unity within the APC. He also cited internal challenges and “undertakers” bent on undermining the PDP as key reasons for his departure, insisting that he would not let Bayelsa be “buried” alongside the sinking PDP.

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The state and national APC leadership received Governor Diri enthusiastically, with the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, presenting the party’s flag to the governor, naming him the leader and standard-bearer of APC in Bayelsa. Thousands of supporters from all eight local government areas of Bayelsa, waving party flags and chanting slogans, marked the historic political shift in a state long considered a PDP stronghold, signalling major realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Other notable attendees included Governors Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mba (Enugu), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo), underscoring the national significance of the event.