Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership qualities as his key motivation.
Diri announced his defection during a grand reception held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the state’s recent history.
The governor, who resigned from the PDP on October 15, said his decision was made after careful consideration and wide consultations, stressing that it was in the overall interest of Bayelsans.
He said: “Nearly six years ago, by the choice of Bayelsans and divine providence, I was elected as governor on the PDP platform, and you honoured me with a second term. However, over time, the unity and sense of common purpose that once held the party together eroded. Despite efforts to reform and restore it, meaningful renewal became difficult.
“After deep reflection, we decided to join the APC. This is a strategic and collaborative move made in the best interest of our people and for the accelerated development of Bayelsa State.”
However, Diri was received into the APC by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several APC governors led by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, commended Diri for what he described as “a bold step of conviction and progress.”
“Governor Diri, this is not a ceremony of convenience but a celebration of courage. You have chosen the harder right over the easier wrong. Today, Bayelsa has embraced the light of integration over the shadows of isolation,” Shettima said.
“The APC is a party of unity and progress, and we are proud to welcome you home. You have always been a progressive leader, calm, visionary, and development-driven.”
In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, described Diri’s defection as “a historic homecoming” that would strengthen the party’s base in the South-South region.
He thanked the governor for what he termed “a courageous and statesmanlike decision,” pledging that the APC would provide a platform for collaboration and continuity in governance.
Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for the warm reception, promising to work with party stakeholders to strengthen its structures in Bayelsa and beyond.
“We will collaborate with all existing party organs to consolidate on our collective strengths and goodwill. Together, we can achieve great goals and move our party and our state to greater heights,” he said.
The event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, party faithful, and thousands of supporters who filled the stadium to witness what many described as “a new chapter” in Bayelsa’s political history.
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