Yenagoa, November 3, 2025 – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a colourful event that drew thousands to the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, effectively turning the oil-rich state into ruling-party territory.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Bola Tinubu, handed Diri the APC broom and raised his hand to thunderous applause as white-T-shirted supporters from all eight local government areas danced under a sea of blue-and-white flags.
“This defection is not just a Bayelsa defection; it is the Ijaw nation defecting to the APC,” Diri declared, flanked by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and governors from Ogun, Ondo, Imo, Delta and Akwa Ibom.
Diri resigned from the PDP on October 15 after what he called “extensive consultations”, citing the opposition party’s “crumbling structure” and the need to align Bayelsa with the centre for faster development.
Twenty-three of the state’s 24 lawmakers, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere, followed their governor into the APC, leaving the once-dominant PDP with just one seat in the assembly.
Shettima praised Diri’s “patriotic courage” and promised “unprecedented federal support” for roads, flood control and the Brass fertiliser plant.
National Chairman Yilwatda handed Diri a second broom with a direct charge: “Sweep every PDP vote into APC in 2027.”
The defection makes Diri the 25th APC governor and the fourth PDP helmsman to cross over this year, after Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno and Enugu’s Peter Mbah.
Only Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara now flies the PDP flag in the entire South-South.
As drummers beat along Ekeki Motor Park and Ovom waterside, Diri said “Some may not understand today, but history will vindicate me. Bayelsa has chosen progress over partisanship.”
Back in the PDP national secretariat, acting chairman Umar Damagum could not be reached, but a senior chieftain whispered: “The umbrella is now a walking stick.”
With 2027 looming, the creeks of Bayelsa have turned blue—and the battle for the soul of the Niger Delta has just begun.
