Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a grand ceremony held on Monday in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The event, which drew political heavyweights from across the country, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors, marking a major realignment in the political landscape of Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) comes a few weeks after he formally resigned his membership of the party.
Last week, Senator Konbowei Benson and Senator Benson Agadaga had also joined the APC, while the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, on Monday led other lawmakers and political appointees under the Prosperity Administration into the ruling party.
Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, described Governor Diri as “a unifier and a working governor” who has demonstrated uncommon leadership and commitment to development in Bayelsa State.
“Governor Diri has shown that politics can be about service and unity, not division.
“His decision to join our great party is a testament to his vision for a stronger Bayelsa and a greater Nigeria, ” Shettima said.
Senate President Akpabio also lauded the governor’s decision, describing it as a “homecoming of progress-minded leaders.
“We welcome Governor Diri to the APC family. His track record of performance and leadership will further strengthen our party and enrich our collective vision for the Niger Delta, ” he said.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, formally presented the party’s flag to Governor Diri, noting that the APC was delighted to receive a leader of his caliber into its fold.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Also present were key APC figures from Bayelsa State, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA).
Thousands of supporters from Bayelsa’s eight local government areas thronged the venue, waving party flags and chanting solidarity songs to welcome the governor into the APC.
In his address, Governor Diri said his defection was not driven by personal ambition but by his desire to promote unity and development in Bayelsa State.
“My decision to join the APC is not about me; it is about the collective interest of our people.
“Bayelsa must not be left behind in the march toward progress. Together, we will work to unite our party and deliver the dividends of democracy to our people, ” he said.
Governor Diri assured party leaders and supporters of his readiness to provide inclusive leadership that would strengthen the APC’s presence and cohesion across Bayelsa State.
