Governor Diri justifies defection to APC, says it’s ‘in the best interest of Bayelsa’

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Sunday publicly addressed his recent resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating the decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was primarily for the progress and benefit of the state.

His comments were made during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day celebration at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, ahead of his formal reception into the APC scheduled for Monday, November 3.

The thanksgiving service provided the first opportunity for the Governor to speak openly about his move since quitting the PDP on October 15, 2025. He acknowledged that the political shift might be misunderstood by some, but expressed confidence that time would prove his motives were altruistic.

Justifying the defection, Governor Diri asserted that a tough choice had to be made for the state’s future: “Somebody had to make the decision, 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.”

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The Governor emphasized that the annual Thanksgiving was a moment to recognize the achievements in governance, pointing to key areas of gratitude: “When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed, and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development, not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,” he said, expressing delight over the presence of various political leaders at the service, which he noted highlighted the unity crucial for development.

The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the event for the first time, publicly supported the Governor’s move, describing Diri as a “unifier.” Lokpobiri remarked that “The governor’s recent political move was timely, noting that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition when key developmental decisions were being made at the national level.”

Further high-profile backing came from the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who described Governor Diri as a “God-sent” to the state, citing visible developmental strides and offering prayers for divine guidance.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, also spoke, stressing that Bayelsa’s strength was rooted in the unity of its people and encouraging continued support for the Diri administration.

Delivering the sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” Bishop Mike Okonkwo, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, underscored the importance of thanksgiving as an attitude that attracts blessings and acknowledged God’s constant presence.

The event saw a strong turnout of dignitaries, including the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; and Senators Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South), among others.

Goodwill messages from key figures like the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, and the President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, commended Diri’s efforts and stressed the continuous need for unity.

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