Governor Douye Diri Joins APC in Grand Yenagoa Ceremony, Declares Move Is “In the Interest of Bayelsa People”
By Passman Akpos
In a political development that has reshaped the landscape of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a high-profile ceremony held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The defection ceremony, which drew massive crowds and political heavyweights, marked the formal transition of the governor from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC.
Governor Diri’s decision comes barely weeks after his public resignation from the PDP, signaling the end of his years-long affiliation with the party that brought him to power.
Joining Diri at the event were several key political figures from his administration, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, who led other lawmakers and appointees of the Prosperity Administration into the APC fold. Their move follows last week’s defection of Senator Konbowei Friday Benson and Senator Benson Agadaga to the same party.
The ceremony was attended by top APC stalwarts, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who officially handed over the APC flag to Governor Diri.
In his address, Vice President Shettima described Governor Diri as “a unifier and a working governor who has brought tangible development to Bayelsa State,” commending his decision to align with the APC for what he termed “national unity and progressive governance.”
Senate President Akpabio, in his remarks, echoed similar sentiments, noting that Diri’s entrance into the APC “reflects the growing strength and inclusivity of the party across the Niger Delta.”
Also in attendance were several governors from across party lines, including Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Monday Okpebholo (Edo).
Prominent Bayelsa-born APC leaders such as Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil); Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), were also present to welcome the governor.
Thousands of jubilant supporters from all eight local government areas of Bayelsa thronged the venue, waving party flags and chanting slogans in celebration of Diri’s defection, which many described as a “new dawn” for the state’s politics.
In his address, Governor Diri said his move to the APC was not a personal ambition but a decision taken “in the collective interest of the people of Bayelsa State.”
> “This is not about me,” Diri declared. “It is about the future of Bayelsa and our people. I have taken this step because I believe it will bring greater development, unity, and prosperity to our dear state. I am committed to providing the leadership needed to unite our people under one strong political family.”
Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, in his closing remarks, described Diri’s entry as “a defining moment for the APC,” adding that the party was delighted to welcome a governor whose leadership has “proven to be people-centered and results-driven.”
With Governor Diri’s defection, political analysts say the balance of power in Bayelsa State may significantly shift ahead of future elections, setting the stage for an unprecedented political realignment in the Niger Delta region.
