After months of intense political speculation, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The declaration was made on Monday, November 3, 2025, at a grand reception held in his honour at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
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Speaking during the event, Governor Diri explained the rationale behind his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served for nearly six years and secured a second term as governor.
He attributed his exit to what he described as a gradual erosion of unity and purpose within the PDP, noting that efforts at rebuilding the party proved unsuccessful. According to him, the decision to join the APC was a strategic step aimed at accelerating development in Bayelsa State.
“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was a strategic, collaborative decision… taken in the best interests of our people and for the accelerated development of the state,” he stated.
Governor Diri expressed gratitude to the APC national leadership for receiving him warmly into the party, and pledged to work with stakeholders to strengthen the party in Bayelsa and beyond.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as fairness, support for the Ijaw nation, and commitment to infrastructural development, citing key projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Nembe-Brass Road, and the Federal Government’s backing of the Agge Deep Seaport project.
“President Tinubu has shown himself a steadfast supporter of the Ijaw people and a friend to Bayelsa State,” Diri said, also stating his support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Diri further highlighted federal waivers and interventions secured through constructive engagement, insisting that aligning with the APC was driven by tangible benefits for the state.
In a conciliatory tone, the governor noted that he bears no ill will towards those who chose to remain in the PDP, urging Bayelsans to prioritise unity over political differences.
“Bayelsa is too small and too close-knit to be divided by partisan bitterness. Our strength comes from unity,” he emphasized.
Governor Diri reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance under his “Assured Prosperity Agenda,” pledging continued focus on development, peace, and the welfare of Bayelsans.
The event drew top APC leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, and supporters, marking a significant reshaping of Bayelsa’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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