Governor Douye Diri Joins APC, Says Move Is in Bayelsa’s Best Interest
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri joins the APC, saying his defection from the PDP was made in the overall interest of the state’s unity and development.
In a move that has reshaped Bayelsa’s political landscape, Governor Douye Diri has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political future. The governor, who until recently was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described his decision as one taken “in the best interest of Bayelsa State.”
A Strategic Defection in the Name of Unity
Speaking at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri confirmed that his move to the APC was driven by a desire to align the state with the national government for greater development opportunities.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,”
he said, adding that politics should serve as a bridge for development, not division.
Diri’s defection, which comes barely a year before the next election cycle begins in earnest, marks one of the most significant political realignments in the South-South since 2019. Political observers see it as a calculated move to strengthen Bayelsa’s voice at the federal level and to attract more investment and attention to the Niger Delta region.
Cross-Party Endorsements and Symbolism of Thanksgiving
The event was symbolic — not just for Diri’s announcement but also for the display of unity that cut across party lines.
Political leaders from both the APC and PDP, as well as prominent figures from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), attended the thanksgiving service in a rare show of bipartisanship.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the governor as a “unifier” and praised his timing, saying Bayelsa could no longer afford to remain in the opposition when “major developmental decisions are being taken at the centre.”
Similarly, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, hailed Diri as “a godsend to Bayelsa,” commending his infrastructure drive and his focus on peace and inclusiveness.
The tone of the event reflected a shared understanding that Bayelsa’s long-term development requires collaboration beyond party boundaries.
Reactions from Regional and National Leaders
Diri’s defection also drew goodwill messages from across the region.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, stressing that the state’s progress depends on its people’s ability to look beyond political differences.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.) — all of whom praised Diri’s leadership and described his political realignment as a reflection of maturity and foresight.
Also present were the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and former Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of Bayelsa’s first civilian governor — a gathering that underscored the significance of the moment.
A Message of Gratitude and Transition
Delivering the sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” Bishop Mike Okonkwo, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, reminded Bayelsans that divine guidance was essential for any leader seeking progress.
He urged the people to stay thankful and unified, assuring that “as long as God remains the foundation, the state’s victory and blessings are assured.”
For Diri, the thanksgiving event was not just a religious moment — it was a political statement of peace, continuity, and transition.
His words reflected a governor seeking to preserve Bayelsa’s stability amid the turbulence of national politics:
“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.”
What Diri’s Move Means for Bayelsa and the South-South
Diri’s defection may signal a new phase in South-South political realignment. By joining the ruling party, he becomes one of the few governors from the region to bridge partisan divides.
Analysts believe the move could open new channels for federal collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, environmental management, and oil sector development.
However, it also raises questions about the PDP’s weakening influence in the Niger Delta and whether Diri’s former allies will follow his lead or resist his realignment.
Either way, his defection represents a turning point for both Bayelsa’s political future and the dynamics of power within Nigeria’s southern bloc.
Governor Douye Diri’s defection to the APC is more than a political shift — it’s a strategic calculation to position Bayelsa at the heart of national relevance. Whether history will vindicate his decision or view it as a gamble remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Diri has redrawn Bayelsa’s political map and set the stage for a new chapter in the state’s evolution.
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Douye Diri, Bayelsa politics, APC, PDP, South-South politics, Wike, Tinubu, Heineken Lokpobiri, Samuel Ogbuku, Niger Delta, Theresa Adeyemi Political Desk
