Another Blow for PDP as Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Resigns from Party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered yet another setback on Wednesday as Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, formally resigned from the party, ending weeks of speculation about his political future.

The announcement, which took place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa, was attended by top government officials and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including the Speaker and 23 lawmakers, who declared their support for the governor’s decision.

Governor Diri confirmed his resignation in a brief address but declined to reveal which political party he would be joining next.

“Yes, I have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party,” Diri said. “This is a decision I have thought through carefully, and it reflects my commitment to the peace, progress, and unity of Bayelsa and Nigeria as a whole.”

The governor said his decision was guided by “deep reflection” and the need to align his political vision with “a platform that truly represents the aspirations of the people.”

Though he gave no clear indication of his next political destination, speculation is rife that he might be considering a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the footsteps of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who defected to the ruling party barely 24 hours earlier.

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In a show of solidarity, 23 out of the 24 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, publicly endorsed the governor’s decision.

A lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Punch that the move had been “long in the making,” citing dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership at the national level and what he described as “a widening disconnect between the party and its grassroots base.”

“We stand firmly with the governor,” the lawmaker said. “His leadership has brought stability to Bayelsa, and wherever he goes, we will follow.”

Diri’s resignation is the latest in a string of high-profile defections that have shaken the PDP in recent months.

The party, which once held control in more than half of Nigeria’s 36 states, has recently lost several governors, including Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno, and Enugu’s Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Political analysts say the latest wave of defections could further weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in the South-South region where the party once dominated.

Meanwhile, sources close to the APC National Secretariat told The Punch that discussions had been ongoing with several PDP governors “weighing their options” before the next election cycle.

As of press time, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had yet to issue an official statement on Diri’s resignation.