From PDP To APC: Diri Reveals 15 Sh*cking Reasons Behind Political U-Turn In Bayelsa

Bayelsa State was plunged into political excitement on November 3 as Governor Douye Diri officially quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), an event party leaders hailed as “a long-overdue homecoming.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ceremony, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, turned the city into a festive hub, with thousands of APC supporters braving persistent drizzle to witness the historic occasion. By 10 a.m., the 5,000-capacity stadium had reached full capacity, forcing security personnel to close the gates to prevent overcrowding. Supporters filled the streets, waving flags, beating drums, and chanting “APC! APC!” in celebration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally welcome Diri into the APC. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the governor’s move, while Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, described the defection as “a courageous and timely decision.” Other prominent governors in attendance included Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).

The event also attracted senior APC officials such as National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of State Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Ben Bruce, Benson Konbowei, and Benson Agadaga, among others.

Diri Explains Why He Left PDP: 15 Reasons

In a 23-point address to supporters, Governor Diri provided 15 key reasons behind his decision to leave the PDP:

1. Unity and common purpose within the PDP had eroded.

2. Internal party dynamics made PDP renewal difficult.

3. “Undertakers” were determined to bury the PDP; I could not allow Bayelsa to be buried with it.

4. Protecting NASS and Assembly members from political quagmire and ensuring a platform for re-election.

5. South-South, once a PDP stronghold, had largely moved on; as a former chairman of South-South PDP governors, I was left isolated.

6. Decision made after wide consultations, prioritizing the welfare of Bayelsa people.

7. President Tinubu is a steadfast friend and supporter of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation.

8. Tinubu initiated the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road project, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Ijaw people.

9. Federal power was not used to interfere with my re-election.

10. The Nembe-Brass Road, on planning boards for 60 years, received immediate attention after consulting Tinubu.

11. Tinubu waived import taxes for 60MW gas turbines benefiting Bayelsa.

12. The APC-led federal government endorsed Bayelsa’s Agge Deep Seaport project.

13. Alignment with a leadership prepared to act in Bayelsa’s interest and promote citizens’ welfare.

14. Support from Tinubu for Bayelsa’s development removed any reason to remain in a sinking ship.

15. No internal divisions in Bayelsa APC; I am fully welcomed by the party.

Declaring himself the leader of APC in Bayelsa, Diri emphasized unity, saying, “I am not a bossy type. I am here to unite us and ensure we achieve a 99 percent result in Bayelsa in 2027.”

Joining Diri in the defection were 23 of the 24 Bayelsa House of Assembly members, two of the three sitting senators—Konbowei and Agadaga—and all local government chairpersons, signaling a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.