PDP Governor Set to Dump Party for APC – Official Announcement Imminent
In a dramatic political twist that could reshape Bayelsa State’s political landscape, sources close to the Bayelsa State Government House have confirmed that Governor Douye Diri is on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The official announcement, according to insiders, is expected in the coming days.
Governor Diri, who has been a loyal member of the PDP and rose through the party’s ranks to become the governor of Bayelsa State, is reportedly finalizing discussions with top APC leaders both at the national and state levels.
The Road to Realignment
Though the reasons for the governor’s potential defection have not been officially disclosed, political analysts believe that ongoing internal power tussles within the PDP and strategic calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections may have influenced the decision. Governor Diri’s move could also be tied to his desire to align more closely with the APC-led federal government to attract more federal projects and political support to the oil-rich state.
This development, if confirmed, will mark a significant blow to the PDP, especially in the South-South region where it has traditionally held strong influence. It also signals a potential boost for the APC, which has been aggressively expanding its base ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Bayelsa’s Shifting Political Ground
Governor Diri’s defection, once made official, could trigger a wave of realignments among key stakeholders in Bayelsa politics. Party loyalists, members of the state House of Assembly, and local government chairmen may follow suit, shifting their allegiances to the APC in a bid to remain politically relevant.
The APC leadership, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is reportedly welcoming the move, viewing it as a major win for the party in its consolidation efforts in the South-South.
Reactions and Speculations
While official communication from the governor is still pending, the news has sparked mixed reactions across social media and political circles. Some supporters see it as a pragmatic decision to ensure development and political security, while critics accuse the governor of abandoning the ideals of the party that brought him to power.
A senior PDP official, speaking anonymously, said, “If this is true, it’s disappointing. Governor Diri was one of the few governors we counted on in the South-South. This is a betrayal of trust.”
What Next?
As Bayelsans and political watchers await the official confirmation, all eyes are on Yenagoa, where the political temperature continues to rise. If Governor Diri formally joins the APC, it will not only change the dynamics of Bayelsa politics but could also serve as a catalyst for other defections across the country.
