Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the move was in the best interest of the state and its people. The event took place at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, where he was received by party leaders and supporters.
Diri, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after months of speculation, said his decision followed wide consultations and a thorough assessment of the state’s political direction. He noted that internal issues within the PDP had made meaningful reform increasingly difficult, prompting his realignment.
“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the APC,” he said. “This was a strategic, collaborative decision taken in the best interest of our people and for the accelerated development of the state.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for what he described as a warm reception, pledging to work with party structures to strengthen the organisation and pursue developmental goals for Bayelsa.
Diri also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called his steadfast support for Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation, citing federal support for key state projects, including the Nembe-Brass Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, and a tax waiver on imported gas turbines.
“One of the Ijaw Nation’s cherished long-standing demands is a coastal road,” he noted. “Under President Tinubu, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project is moving from desire to reality, and Bayelsa stands to gain from improved connectivity and economic opportunity.”
He further lauded the Federal Government’s endorsement of the Agge Deep Seaport project, saying it would unlock marine resources, boost trade, create jobs and diversify the state’s economy.
Diri pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government and declared his support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027.
Despite his departure from the PDP, he acknowledged those who chose to remain in the party, stressing that his decision was not driven by animosity. He emphasised unity among Bayelsans regardless of political affiliations.
“Bayelsa is too small and too close-knit to be divided by partisan bitterness,” the governor said. “Our strength comes from unity.”
He urged residents to rally behind his administration’s vision for “Assured Prosperity”, expressing confidence that the state would witness greater peace, development and inclusiveness.
“Let us go forward together, united in the common work of building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Bayelsa State for all our people,” he declared.
