Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has indicated interest in dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress,APC, in a major shift of political alignment in the South South.
The development followed extensive consultations with state elders, political stakeholders, and allies.
Diri was said to have informed former President Goodluck Jonathan of his decision out of courtesy and respect, while also notifying the eight local government chairmen and members of the State Executive Council.
Majority of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly members are reported to be backing the governor’s move.
Some lawmakers, who are seeking re-election or higher political positions, argued that switching to the APC was necessary to safeguard their candidacies amid the ongoing crisis within the PDP.
However, resistance has emerged from key National Assembly members from the state. Two Senators—former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson representing Bayelsa West and Benson Agadaga representing Bayelsa East—along with three out of five House of Representatives members, namely Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Maria Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), and Mietama Obordor (Ogbia), are not expected to defect with Diri.
Despite the setback, Diri’s allies insist there is no turning back. A prominent lawmaker close to the governor stressed that “there is no going back on the governor crossing to the APC,” adding that while not every lawmaker will join, Senator Konbowei Benson is among those ready to move with him.
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An APC chieftain from the governor’s local government area confirmed that preparations had been concluded for the defection, describing the party as ready to receive him.
But not all stakeholders have welcomed the decision. Within the Bayelsa PDP, divisions have deepened as some members expressed anger over the governor’s move.
Senior figures within the party accused younger associates of Diri of pushing him toward the APC in a bid to reposition themselves for future elections, believing federal influence would give them an advantage.
A top PDP member lamented that individuals who were absent during the struggles to secure victory for Diri in 2019 and 2023 are now the ones dictating his political path.
Senator Dickson, who has maintained a frosty relationship with the current administration, was reportedly sidelined during consultations because of his strong opposition to the defection.
Those against Diri’s plan are said to be urging Dickson to assume leadership of the PDP’s resistance once Bayelsa comes under APC control.
Meanwhile, both the APC state chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, and the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said they were not aware of the defection plans.
Crediblenewsng.com
