HEADLINE: APC Strengthens Southsouth Dominance as Bayelsa Governor Diri Leads Mass Defection from PDP
In a significant political realignment, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a historic shift in the region’s political landscape. The move establishes APC control in four of the five Southsouth states, dramatically altering the geo-political dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a grand ceremony held at the Samson Siasia Sports Arena in Yenagoa, Governor Diri, alongside key political figures including two sitting senators – Konbowei Benson and Benson Agadaga – and House of Assembly Speaker Abraham Ingobere, formally joined the ruling party. The event drew massive crowds and was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The defection received overwhelming support from 23 members of the 24-member Bayelsa State House of Assembly, effectively consolidating APC’s position in the traditionally PDP-controlled state. The assembly currently consists of 20 PDP lawmakers, three APC, and one APGA member.
Explaining his decision, Diri cited President Tinubu’s commitment to regional development, particularly highlighting projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road, and a N4 billion tax waiver granted to the state for a 60-megawatt gas turbine project. “This defection is not only for Bayelsa. It is for Ijaws in Ondo, Edo, Delta and Rivers,” Diri declared.
The event attracted prominent APC leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and several governors from across the country. National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda officially welcomed Diri, presenting him with the party flag and installing him as the APC leader in Bayelsa State.
This political shift represents a significant transformation for Bayelsa, which had been a PDP stronghold since 1999, producing governors including Diepreye Alamieseigha, Goodluck Jonathan, Tmpreye Silva, Seriake Dickson, and Diri himself.
Vice President Shettima praised Diri’s leadership, noting, “Today, you have shown us that Bayelsa State has chosen the light of national integration over the shadows of political isolation.”
The defection follows a pattern of PDP governors switching to the APC, including Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Peter Mbah of Enugu, significantly weakening the opposition party’s position in southern Nigeria as the country looks toward 2027.
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