BAYELSA STATE GOVERNOR DIRI EXITS PDP, FORMALLY JOINS APC IN GRAND CEREMONY.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
3- NOV -2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and aligned himself with the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event took place in Yenagoa on Monday, where Vice President Kashim Shettima led an influential APC delegation to welcome Governor Diri into the ruling party. Also in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).

Addressing the crowd, Governor Diri stated that he and other party leaders made substantial efforts to revive the PDP but were met with persistent internal crises. He explained that the party had become overwhelmed by individuals he described as “undertakers,” determined to see its demise.

In his words, “We did everything possible to rescue the PDP, but it became evident that some people were more interested in burying it. I could not stand by and allow Bayelsa State to go down with the party. After wide consultations with leaders and stakeholders, I made the decision to move forward.”

The reception ceremony drew a massive turnout of supporters carrying APC flags and chanting slogans in solidarity, signaling a major political realignment in the Niger Delta.

Governor Diri had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP on October 15 during a meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa. At that time, he cited “obvious reasons” for his decision but did not immediately disclose his next political destination. He did, however, confirm that all local government chairmen in Bayelsa would move with him.

His defection was quickly endorsed by 23 out of the 24 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere. Ten lawmakers were physically present when the announcement was made. The Assembly currently consists of 20 PDP members, three APC members, and one from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Diri’s move adds to the growing list of prominent PDP figures leaving the opposition. In 2025 alone, four PDP governors — Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu) — have defected to the APC, intensifying the political pressure on the party.

This defection comes amid escalating turmoil within the PDP national leadership. In recent days, National Chairman Umar Damagum and the National Working Committee suspended some key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature. In retaliation, the Anyanwu-led faction suspended Damagum and other NWC members.

By Monday, acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed led Samuel Anyanwu’s faction to resume at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, while Damagum and his loyalists stayed away, deepening the division within the party.

With Diri’s defection to the APC, political analysts predict heightened political activity in the South-South ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the ruling party continues to expand its influence while the PDP battles for survival amidst internal fragmentation.