The political landscape in Bayelsa State continues to shift as more members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resigned following Governor Douye Diri’s exit from the party.
Diri, along with members of his cabinet and the state House of Assembly, resigned from the PDP on Wednesday.
Although he has yet to announce his new political platform, his departure has triggered a wave of mass defections across the state.
On Monday, October 20, leaders and members of Yenagoa Constituency 3, which includes Okordia, Zarama, and Biseni communities, announced their resignation from the PDP during a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa.
The group, led by Commissioner for Education Dr. Gentle Emelah, said their decision was driven by loyalty to the governor’s leadership and political philosophy.
“There is a need for all of us to resign our membership of the Peoples Democratic Party alongside our governor, Senator Douye Diri,” they declared.
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Emelah, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the people of Okordia, Zarama, and Biseni had full confidence in the governor’s leadership.
“The decision of the governor is in the best interest of the people. Yenagoa Constituency 3 will remain a stronghold of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, and will continue with him wherever he leads,” he stated.
The group distanced themselves from the decision of Ted Elemeforo, the member representing Yenagoa Constituency 3 in the Bayelsa House of Assembly, who chose not to resign.
They described his stance as personal and not representative of their collective will.
Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bulodisiye Ndiwari, reaffirmed the constituency’s commitment to the governor.
“The people of Yenagoa Constituency 3 believe in Governor Diri’s vision and will follow him wherever he leads,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Petroleum (Oil), Frank Otele, said the constituency’s leaders had unanimously resolved to align with Diri’s political movement.