Politics

Leaving PDP for APC is in Bayelsa’s Interest – Gov Diri

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedNovember 3, 2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was made in the best interest of the state.

The governor spoke on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, ahead of his formal defection to the ruling party on Monday, November 3.

He said someone had to make the decision, and he took it on behalf of Bayelsans.

Diri acknowledged that some may not yet understand his reasons for joining APC, but he assured that, with time, it would be clear that his decision was driven by the welfare of the state.

“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all,” he said.

The governor also highlighted the state’s ongoing peace, security, and development achievements as reasons for gratitude.

“When we came in as a government, we ensured that most uncompleted projects were completed and introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. Politics is for development, not to bring your brother down,” he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Delta State Governor Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, praised Bayelsa’s unity as the foundation of its progress. He urged citizens to remain supportive of the Diri administration.

Also at the event, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam announced his plan to join APC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as a unifier, noting that the governor’s political move was timely since the state could not afford to remain in opposition while key decisions were being made at the centre.

Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, described Diri as a “Godsend” to Bayelsa due to his visible development efforts and prayed for divine wisdom to guide him.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.