Bayelsa PDP Legislators Support Diri’s Transition to APC

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have expressed their approval for Governor Douye Diri’s decision to transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Currently, the legislature comprises 19 PDP members out of 24, with the opposition holding five seats.

Sources revealed to Sunday Sun that in the process of consulting with stakeholders regarding his plans for defection, Diri instructed Speaker Rt Hon Abraham Ngobere to gauge the opinions of his fellow legislators

Diri’s previous consultations with the National Assembly caucus proved less successful, as the House caucus opposed the move.

Insiders indicated that Hon Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor) is leading the opposition, as the defection to the APC would place him under the political leadership of the Minister of State for Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

Despite dissenting voices from the National Assembly, Diri, who recently travelled to France with Ngobere, tasked the Speaker with gathering insights from his colleagues regarding the defection.

Sources informed Sunday Sun that during a meeting convened by Ngobere at his residence to deliberate on the transition to the APC, most legislators supported the defection, asserting that it was beneficial for the state and timely.

Several lawmakers expressed that the PDP is in turmoil and can no longer ensure their political future.

Nonetheless, three of the 19 legislators reportedly opposed the move, contending that it was inopportune.

Two of the dissenting lawmakers are said to hail from Sagbama Local Government, while the third represents Kolokuma/Opokuma.

A house member confirmed the meeting’s occurrence and affirmed that the majority have endorsed the governor’s decision to shift allegiance to the APC.

“Indeed, the Speaker summoned us, and we convened. The reality is that we are transitioning.”