Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Poised to Defect to APC Amid Deepening PDP Crisis
Barring any last-minute changes, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is reportedly set to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in the state.
According to reliable sources, Diri’s planned defection—rumored for several months—is now scheduled to be finalized on October 14. The move, though discreetly executed, has stirred discontent and confusion among PDP supporters and has led to internal divisions within the party’s leadership in the state.
Insiders close to the governor revealed that the defection was kept under wraps due to friction within the APC’s Bayelsa chapter, particularly involving loyalists of former petroleum minister Chief Timipre Sylva. Nonetheless, Diri’s decision is said to have been driven largely by the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, which many of his allies see as a barrier to pursuing their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reports indicate that Governor Diri held consultations with prominent Bayelsa elders and also informed former President Goodluck Jonathan of his intention to leave the PDP—a gesture seen as one of respect and political courtesy. He has reportedly secured the backing of most members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and has hinted at the planned switch during meetings with the eight local government chairmen and his State Executive Council.
Many lawmakers, particularly those seeking re-election or higher office, are said to have urged the governor to leave the PDP, fearing legal complications or disqualification due to the party's internal issues.
Despite strong backing from the state assembly, Diri's plan has met resistance from the majority of Bayelsa’s federal lawmakers. Notably, former governor and current senator for Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, along with Senators Benson Agadaga and three out of five House of Representatives members—Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Maria Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), and Mietama Obordor (Ogbia)—have all declined to follow Diri to the APC.
However, Senator Konbowei Benson is reportedly among those aligning with the governor in the move. A senior lawmaker and close ally of Diri confirmed that the defection plans are in the final stages, stating: “We’ve moved past consultations. The governor is going to the APC, along with many of us in the House of Assembly. Some federal lawmakers may not join, but the defection is happening soon.”
A former legislator from the governor’s local government area, who is now a member of the APC, also confirmed the plan, expressing confidence that the party is ready to receive Diri and his supporters.
Meanwhile, the APC state chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, claimed he was not officially informed about the defection, as did the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah.
Within the PDP, reactions have been mixed. The reported defection has caused a split in the state leadership, with some members expressing frustration that newer political figures close to the governor—described as “young Turks”—are driving the decision. These individuals are believed to be motivated by personal ambition and a desire to leverage federal power for future elections.
A senior PDP figure lamented, “The people pushing this move weren’t even involved in the struggle to elect Diri in 2019 or 2023. Now they want to dominate the political space by defecting to the APC and using federal might to impose themselves.”
Notably absent from the governor’s consultations was former Governor Dickson, who has reportedly distanced himself from Diri’s administration. Sources suggest that Diri intentionally excluded him, knowing that he would strongly oppose the move. With Bayelsa potentially shifting into APC hands, Dickson is now being viewed by some within the PDP as a possible rallying figure for the opposition.
As political tensions rise, all eyes are on the expected October 14 announcement that could reshape Bayelsa’s political landscape.
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