Bayelsa Gov Douye Diri Officially Dumps PDP, Joins Ruling APC in Grand Rally

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing to an end weeks of speculation about his political future.

The defection, which took place in Yenagoa, the state capital, drew a massive crowd of supporters dressed in white T-shirts, waving flags, and chanting solidarity songs in celebration of the governor’s move.

Thousands of supporters from all eight local government areas of Bayelsa State thronged the streets of Yenagoa in excitement, drumming and singing in support of Diri’s defection.

The atmosphere in the state capital was festive, as jubilant crowds marched through major streets, while banners bearing Diri’s portraits and APC insignia fluttered across the rally venue.

Reports are that traffic around Oxbow Lake Pavilion, the main event venue, was gridlocked for hours as residents trooped out to witness the occasion.

The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries and political leaders from across the South-South region and beyond.

Among those who arrived in Yenagoa for the ceremony were the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori; former Governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Ondo State, Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; and former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

Also present were the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and other members of the APC’s National Working Committee, who described the governor’s defection as “a monumental gain” for the ruling party.

Governor Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier in the week, said his decision to join the APC was guided by the need for greater unity and development in Bayelsa State.

“This decision was made after wide consultations with my supporters and critical stakeholders. We believe it’s time to join hands with the centre for the progress and prosperity of Bayelsa,” Diri stated.

He noted that aligning with the ruling party would help accelerate federal projects and investments in the state.

“Bayelsa deserves more. We are ready to work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to bring development closer to our people,” he said to loud cheers from the crowd.

Speaking at the event, APC leaders described Diri’s entry into the party as a turning point for the South-South region.

Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, hailed the defection as “a sign of growing confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu.”

“Governor Diri’s defection shows that more Nigerians now see the APC as the true platform for progress and stability,” Oshiomhole said.

Ondo State Governor, Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, also commended Diri’s move, describing him as a man of courage and vision.

“This is a bold step that reflects leadership maturity and commitment to the growth of the Niger Delta,” Aiyedatiwa noted.

Diri’s defection marks a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political landscape, as the PDP has been the dominant party in the state since 1999.

The move could reshape alignments ahead of the next general elections and strengthen the APC’s influence in the oil-rich state.

The defection also follows a pattern of recent political realignments across Nigeria, as several governors and lawmakers continue to switch parties ahead of the 2027 polls.