In a major political shake-up, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), alongside key political stakeholders in the state.
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Governor Diri made the announcement on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during an expanded Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa.
The development was not limited to the Governor alone. The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, other lawmakers, elected local government chairmen, commissioners, and several political appointees also formally withdrew their membership from the PDP.
Shortly after the meeting, Governor Diri wrote on his verified Facebook page:
“I have resigned my membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) along with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, other members of the State Assembly, elected Local Government officials, my commissioners and other appointees. While this decision has become imperative for obvious reasons, I would like to appreciate our supporters and the good people of Bayelsa State for your understanding.”
The Governor reassured Bayelsans that despite the political transition, his administration’s focus on industrialisation, infrastructure, and human capital development will remain firm.
“We will remain very focused on our developmental agenda and I urge you to continue working for the common good of our state and country. Nua! Umbana!” he added.
Possible Reasons Behind the Move
Though Governor Diri did not provide specific details for his resignation, analysts point to several possible factors:
- National Political Realignment: With Nigeria’s political landscape heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Diri’s move may be part of a wider strategy to reposition himself and Bayelsa within a new power bloc.
- Internal PDP Crisis: The PDP has in recent years faced internal divisions, both at the national and state levels. The Governor’s exit may reflect irreconcilable differences with the party’s leadership.
- Quest for Broader Political Alliance: By leaving the PDP with virtually the entire state’s political structure, Governor Diri may be preparing to align with a national party that offers Bayelsa greater bargaining power in federal politics.
Implications for Bayelsa State
- Shift in Political Dynamics: The resignation creates a political vacuum in the PDP within Bayelsa, potentially weakening the party’s grassroots influence in the state.
- Uncertain Opposition Role: Without Diri and his allies, the PDP risks losing dominance in the Niger Delta region unless it quickly rebuilds its structure.
- Future of Governance: By moving with his commissioners, lawmakers, and local government chairmen, Governor Diri has ensured political stability within his administration, minimizing the risk of divided loyalties.
- National Impact: His decision could influence similar moves in other Niger Delta states, reshaping alignments ahead of the 2027 polls.
For now, all eyes remain on what political party Governor Diri and his allies will join next — a decision that could redefine Bayelsa’s role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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