The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ending weeks of intense speculation and signaling a major political realignment in the South-South region.
Thousands of supporters and APC loyalists flooded Yenagoa in a carnival-like procession to welcome Diri into the APC fold.
Dressed in white T-shirts and colourful attires from all eight local government areas, the crowd defied an early morning downpour to participate in the historic event.
By 10am, the 5,000-capacity Samson Siasia Sports Complex was filled beyond capacity, forcing security operatives to restrict further entry amid fears of a possible stampede.
Supporters sang, drummed, and waved APC flags across major streets of Yenagoa, chanting solidarity songs to celebrate the governor’s defection.
Diri, who resigned from the PDP two weeks ago, formally sealed his switch to the APC before a crowd of party chieftains and political heavyweights.
The defection marks one of the most consequential shifts in Bayelsa’s political landscape since 2019.
The event drew prominent figures including Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh.
Speaking at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day marking the state’s creation anniversary at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said he left the PDP “in the best interest of the state.”
“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri said.
He noted that politics should be about development and not destruction, adding that peace and unity remain the foundation of Bayelsa’s progress. “The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother,” he added.
With his defection, Diri becomes the 25th governor under the APC and the fourth PDP governor to switch allegiance this year, following the footsteps of Governors Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
This development means four of the five South-South states previously controlled by the PDP are now under APC rule — a major strategic gain for President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections
