Governor Douye Diri Set to Join APC in Landmark Political Move
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — All is now set for the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to make a historic political shift as he formally joins the All Progressives Congress (APC), days after resigning his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The Governor’s defection, which comes nearly a week after his resignation from the PDP, marks a major political turning point for Bayelsa — a state that has remained a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
Reactions to Diri’s planned move have been mixed across the state’s political landscape. While some view it as a strategic alignment with the ruling party at the centre, others see it as a significant blow to the PDP’s dominance in the South-South region.
However, the defection does not enjoy the support of his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and his predecessor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, both of whom are said to have reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP.
Governor Diri is expected to make a formal declaration of his APC membership at a public ceremony in Yenagoa, to be attended by key national figures of the ruling party.
