Political tension is on the rise in Bayelsa State, with increasing speculation about Governor Douye Diri’s potential transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as reported by The Sun.
If Governor Diri does decide to switch parties, it could present both challenges and opportunities for the PDP in the South-South region. This follows the recent movements of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno to the APC. Such changes may prompt the PDP to reassess its strategies and engage more deeply with its constituents to strengthen their support.. …CONTINUE READING
Sources close to the situation reveal that Governor Diri has initiated discussions with senior figures in the Presidency and has been consulting key political stakeholders in Bayelsa.
It is understood that the governor has spoken to several National Assembly members from the state to seek their opinions. While some are reportedly in favour, others remain hesitant.
Lawmakers such as Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe) are said to be unconvinced, arguing that there is no urgent reason for such a political shift.
Oboku Oforji, representing Yenagoa Federal Constituency, is believed to be aligning himself with former governor and current Senator for Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson. Though Senator Dickson does not support the idea, he is reportedly refraining from influencing Diri’s decision.
Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) are described as neutral but may follow the governor’s lead if he defects.
Governor Diri has also asked the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, to informally gauge the views of Assembly members. A senior Assembly source confirmed that the Speaker had begun consultations and would formally address the House upon returning from abroad.
“The likelihood of the governor leaving the PDP is quite strong,” said one lawmaker. “Many of us are ready to go with him. Bayelsa cannot remain the only South-South state in the PDP, especially with the ongoing internal instability. The APC seems more secure, particularly given the legal uncertainties around elections.”
Former governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, expressed his support for Diri’s potential defection. Speaking by phone, Sylva said: “If Governor Diri joins the APC, I’ll be glad to welcome him. When I introduced the APC to Bayelsa, many rejected it as not being an Ijaw party. Today, it’s gaining ground, and his move would be a major boost.”
However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied any knowledge of such plans.
“I’m not aware of any discussions about the governor leaving the PDP. He is a transparent leader and will make any such decision public. At this point, there’s nothing to confirm,” Alabrah said
