ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing President Bola Tinubu’s leadership acumen and the best interests of Bayelsans as his motivation.
Diri, who officially resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, announced his defection at a grand ceremony held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
He was formally received into the APC by the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and a host of APC governors led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, as well as other top party chieftains from across the federation.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Shettima praised Diri for identifying with the APC-led Federal Government.
He said: “Governor Diri, this gathering is a home-coming party for you. We are here not for a mere ceremony of convenience but for a celebration of your conviction.
“Yours is a story of a leader who has chosen the harder right over the easier wrong. Today, you have shown us that Bayelsa has chosen the light of integration over the shadows of isolation.
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“The APC is the party of those who believe that progress can only be guaranteed when we stand together, when we answer the call of our people.
“Governor Diri, we are proud of you. You have made the right decision. You have led with calm dignity, but beneath that calm lies your commitment to development, unity, and progress.
“This is for us a political reunion with a progressive mind; you have always been a progressive.”
Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, commended Diri and the people of Bayelsa for what he described as a bold and forward-looking move.
In his response, Governor Diri said his defection to the APC was driven by two major factors: the leadership qualities of President Tinubu and the lingering crisis within the PDP.
His words: “Nearly six years ago, by your kind choice of Bayelsans and by divine providence, I was elected governor of Bayelsa State on the PDP platform, and you honoured me with a second term. I thank Bayelsans for the privilege of serving you.
“Over time, the unity and common purpose that once sustained the party eroded. Despite our best efforts to reform and restore it, the internal dynamics made meaningful renewal increasingly difficult. That point is well documented.
“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the APC. This was a strategic, collaborative decision.
“While the justification for this decision may not be immediately apparent to some, you have my assurance that it was taken in the best interests of our people and for the accelerated development of the state.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the national leadership and membership of the APC across all strata of the party for warmly welcoming us into the fold. Your hospitality has been truly remarkable, and we are delighted to be part of this great family.
“Rest assured, we will work collaboratively with existing organs to strengthen the party for the serious work ahead, leveraging our collective strengths and goodwill to drive the party’s growth and success. Together, we can achieve important goals and take our party to greater heights.”