Barring any last-minute change of plans, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, will on Monday formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a grand ceremony scheduled to hold in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Governor Diri had, on October 15, 2025, during an expanded State Executive Council meeting, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as “obvious reasons.”
Although he did not immediately disclose his next political destination, widespread speculation suggested that the APC was his preferred choice — a development that now appears confirmed.
An aide to the governor, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, revealed that preparations were in top gear to ensure the defection ceremony is memorable.
“Everything is being put together to make Monday’s event grand. It will be a new chapter for Bayelsa politics,” the aide said.
During his resignation announcement, Diri hinted that he was not alone in his decision. He disclosed that the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and majority of members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly were in solidarity with him and would be joining him in the move.
However, he was silent on the position of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who has since approached the court to stop what he described as “a planned impeachment” over his refusal to follow his principal to the APC.
Similarly, three lawmakers; Hon. Wisdom Fafi (KOLGA 2), Hon. Ted Elemefuro (YELGA 3), and Hon. Godbless Oyinke (SALGA 1) distanced themselves from the defection, insisting they remain committed members of the PDP.
The trio, alongside Senator Ewhrudjakpo, are known loyalists of former Governor and serving federal lawmaker, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who has also publicly criticized Diri’s decision.
READ ALSO: Another Bayelsa Senator Dumps PDP for APC
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Senator Dickson said although Diri had informed him of his decision beforehand, the reasons advanced for leaving the PDP were “neither satisfactory nor justified.”
He lamented that it was unfortunate that a party which has given so much to the state including the highest political office in the land has now been “donated” to the APC.
Sources also confirmed that the APC leadership has concluded plans for a high-profile reception to welcome Governor Diri.
Leading the delegation to Yenagoa on Monday will be Vice President Kashim Shettima and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside other party chieftains and governors from across the country.