Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The defection ceremony, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, was attended by high-profile APC members, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors.
According to Governor Diri, his decision to leave the PDP was informed by the party’s internal crisis and the APC’s progressive ideology. “We tried to salvage it, but to no avail. I never wanted my state to be buried with the PDP,” he stated. Diri also cited President Bola Tinubu’s development initiatives in Bayelsa State, including the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and a N4 billion tax waiver, as reasons for his defection.
The APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, welcomed Diri to the party and presented him with the party’s flag and symbol. Yilwatda announced that Diri would be taking over as the party’s leader in Bayelsa State.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Diri’s leadership and commitment to development. “You have led with calm and dignity. But beneath that calm has flowed a restless commitment to development, to unity, and to peace,” Shettima said. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Diri for steering the state on the path of peace and congratulated him for taking the bold step in joining the APC.
The defection is seen as a significant boost to the APC in the South-South region, with several high-profile politicians in attendance, including Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
