Ex-PDP Legal Adviser Drops Bombshell, Calls For Immediate Removal Of Gov Diri From Office

Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has demanded the removal of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri from office following his resignation from the party.

Governor Diri recently dumped the PDP, shortly after his Enugu counterpart, Peter Mbah, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While speculation is rife that Diri is set to join the APC, he has yet to make an official declaration.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, Mark cited constitutional provisions on defection, emphasizing that no individual can hold an elective office without being affiliated with a political party.

He stated:

“The Nigerian Constitution clearly provides that no one can contest an election without the sponsorship of a political party. By implication, no one can hold an elective office without belonging to a political party.

What we are witnessing today is a situation where individuals appear bigger than political parties, behaving like warlords who take unilateral decisions without regard for democratic order.”

Meanwhile, the crisis within the Bayelsa PDP worsened on Monday as several members tendered their resignations following Diri’s dramatic exit.

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa, leaders and members of Yenagoa Constituency 3, comprising Okordia, Zarama, and Biseni communities, announced their mass departure from the PDP.

Led by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, the group explained that their decision was guided by loyalty to Governor Diri’s political direction.

In a joint statement, the leaders said:

“We have collectively decided to resign our membership of the Peoples Democratic Party in solidarity with our governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The people of Okordia, Zarama, and Biseni have full confidence in the governor’s leadership. His decision reflects the best interest of our people, and Yenagoa Constituency 3 will continue to stand firmly with him wherever he goes.”