Bayelsa State witnessed a major political shake-up on Monday as Governor Douye Diri officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape long dominated by the PDP.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led an impressive delegation of APC stalwarts to Yenagoa for Diri’s official welcome ceremony. Also in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
The venue was filled with jubilant supporters waving APC flags and chanting party slogans in celebration of Diri’s defection. The move, analysts say, could alter Bayelsa’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Diri had earlier resigned from the PDP on October 15 after what he described as “extensive consultations.”
Announcing his decision at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa Government House, he said: “After extensive consultations, today, 15 October 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
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Although he cited “obvious reasons” for his resignation, Diri did not initially disclose his new political destination. He, however, confirmed that all local government chairmen in Bayelsa would be joining him in the APC.
His move received strong backing from 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere. Of the 24-member Assembly, 20 were previously PDP lawmakers, with three from the APC and one from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Diri’s defection adds to a growing list of PDP governors who have crossed over to the ruling APC in recent months. Others include Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
Meanwhile, the PDP is grappling with deep internal crises. Over the weekend, the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and members of the National Working Committee suspended key officers, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.
In response, Anyanwu’s camp announced the suspension of Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, further deepening the rift.
By Monday, Anyanwu’s faction, led by acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, resumed at the party’s national secretariat, while Damagum and his loyalists stayed away.
With Diri’s defection and the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, political observers believe the 2027 elections could witness a major realignment of forces across Nigeria’s political landscape.