In a stunning political development, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his long-standing association with the party. Diri’s exit was accompanied by the resignation of 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the state’s history.
The announcement was made at a closed-door meeting held inside the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa Government House in Yenagoa, where the governor formally informed top aides, commissioners, and party loyalists of his decision. His Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the development in a statement issued shortly after the meeting.
Governor Diri, who came into office under the PDP platform in 2020, said his decision followed “deep reflection on the direction of Bayelsa’s future and the need to align with a broader vision of unity and development.” However, he did not disclose his next political move, noting that consultations were ongoing with his supporters and political associates.
“I have served this state with commitment and sincerity under the PDP, but the time has come for us to take a new direction that places Bayelsa’s progress above party lines,” the governor was quoted as saying.
The defection of the 23 lawmakers, including the Speaker of the House, is expected to significantly alter the political landscape in Bayelsa, a state that has been a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Their resignations, according to Assembly insiders, were in solidarity with the governor’s decision, citing leadership crises and “unresolved internal divisions” within the party.
Political observers say the move signals growing instability within the PDP, following similar high-profile defections in other states. Just 24 hours earlier, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also resigned from the party and hinted at aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Analysts believe Diri’s resignation could open the door for mass defections among commissioners, local government chairmen, and party leaders who have long aligned with his administration. A senior government source revealed that most PDP members in the State Executive Council have already tendered their resignation letters.
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The PDP’s national leadership has yet to issue an official statement but is expected to convene an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Party insiders fear that Diri’s exit could further weaken its southern base ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Diri, a former senator representing Bayelsa Central, rose to prominence after the Supreme Court declared him winner of the 2019 governorship election. Known for his calm political style and development-driven agenda, his departure is likely to reshape alliances in the Niger Delta region.
The governor is scheduled to address the public in the coming days to explain his reasons for leaving the PDP and to announce his next political steps — a move that could redefine the balance of power in Bayelsa State.