By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stated that he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC), but will rather seek to persuade him.
Governor Diri made this known while addressing political stakeholders in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Wednesday. He explained that his decision to move into the ruling party was guided by his desire to ensure continued development and stability in Bayelsa State, but that such a decision must remain personal for every political leader.
“I have said it before — I will not compel anyone, not even my deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join me in the APC. Politics is about conviction and personal choice. However, I will continue to persuade him and others to see the bigger picture of what this move represents for the future of our state,” Diri said.
The governor emphasized that collaboration across political lines was necessary to secure federal attention and attract development projects to the Niger Delta region.
Political observers have described Diri’s statement as a strategic effort to maintain unity within his administration amid growing speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, a long-time ally of Governor Diri, has not yet publicly commented on whether he will follow his principal into the APC.
