Defecting to APC in Bayelsa’s Interest, Says Governor Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was made in the overall interest of the state and its people.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025, Governor Diri said the move was driven by his desire to ensure Bayelsa’s continued development and access to greater federal support.

The governor made the remarks on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, ahead of his formal reception into the APC scheduled for Monday, November 3.

“Someone had to make the decision, and I did so on behalf of Bayelsans,” Diri said. “While some may not understand it now, time will reveal that my reasons were purely in the best interest of our state.”

Diri, who was elected governor under the PDP in 2020, acknowledged that his decision might have surprised many of his supporters, but insisted that leadership sometimes demands tough choices.

“Politics is not about self-interest; it is about service and the welfare of the people,” he said. “If aligning with the ruling party will bring more opportunities, infrastructure, and peace to Bayelsa, then I believe it is the right step.”

His defection marks a major political shift in Bayelsa, one of the strongholds of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. The move is expected to reshape the state’s political dynamics ahead of future elections.

Sources close to the governor’s camp said preparations are in top gear for his formal welcome ceremony into the APC, which will be attended by top party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Governor Diri’s defection comes amid growing realignments across the country, as political figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.