Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Dumps PDP for APC in Major Political Shift

By Diafa Doubra,

In a surprising political twist, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement, which sent shockwaves across the South-South region, marks a major realignment in Bayelsa’s political landscape a state long regarded as a PDP stronghold.

Governor Diri confirmed his defection during a brief ceremony in Yenagoa attended by top APC leaders, including the party’s National Chairman and several federal lawmakers. In his speech, Diri said his decision was driven by the need to align Bayelsa with the federal government for accelerated development and better collaboration on key projects. “This is about the progress of our people, not party politics. I believe working with the centre will bring more development to Bayelsa,” he stated.

His move follows weeks of speculation and closed-door consultations with political stakeholders across the state. Reports indicate that most members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and several commissioners have also pledged to join him in the APC. However, some PDP loyalists have expressed disappointment, describing the defection as a betrayal of party loyalty and ideology.

Political analysts say Diri’s switch could significantly alter the political balance in the South-South, where PDP has maintained dominance since 1999. For the APC, the governor’s entry is seen as a strategic win ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially strengthening the party’s foothold in the Niger Delta region.

As reactions continue to pour in, one thing is clear — Governor Diri’s defection has reshaped the political terrain in Bayelsa, setting the stage for new alliances and fresh power struggles in the months ahead.