President Bola Tinubu has commended Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and a commitment to unity and development.
Speaking through Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the formal reception ceremony in Yenagoa, the President said Diri’s entry into the APC was not only a personal decision but a step that symbolises a new chapter for Bayelsa politics.
According to him, “Governor Diri represents the type of leadership our nation needs focused, humble, and development-driven.
“He has shown that politics should be about service to the people, not division or hostility. We are proud to welcome him into a party built on progress and inclusion, ” he added.
The President praised Diri for his infrastructural strides and efforts to promote peace across Bayelsa State, noting that his governance style had brought calm and renewed hope to citizens.
“He has connected isolated communities, opened up roads, and promoted understanding among the people. That is what governance should be,” Tinubu said.
Describing Diri’s decision as, “A homecoming to the family of progressives,” Tinubu assured the governor of the party’s full support as he works to consolidate development across the state.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who formally presented the party’s flag to Governor Diri, urged him to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure in Bayelsa and mobilise massive support ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Bayelsa is strategic to our vision for national renewal. Governor Diri’s leadership will help reposition the APC as the party of choice in the Niger Delta, ” he said.
The event drew a large crowd of supporters from across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State, who waved party flags and chanted solidarity songs as Diri was received into the ruling party.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as well as governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).
In his remarks, Governor Diri said the decision to switch political allegiance followed “wide consultations and deep reflection on the best way to advance Bayelsa’s development.
“This decision is not about personal gain or politics of convenience.
“It is about aligning with a platform that allows us to bring greater dividends of democracy to our people. My goal remains the peace and prosperity of Bayelsa, ” he said.
Diri’s defection, endorsed by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by Speaker Abraham Ingobere, marked one of the most significant political realignments in the state’s history long regarded as a PDP stronghold.
His move followed similar defections by other South-South governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), signalling shifting political tides ahead of the 2027 general elections.
