Diri’s APC defection: Ex-lawmaker Enogha calls it key to Bayelsa’s federal gains

From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa

A former Chief Whip of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha, has endorsed Governor Douye Diri’s switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic alignment that will unlock federal resources for the state.

Speaking in a radio interview on Wednesday, Enogha dismissed accusations of self-interest, noting that Diri—already a former House of Representatives member, senator, and governor in his final two years—has no personal political ladder left to climb.

He labelled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a “sinking ship” and praised Diri’s timing in joining the ruling party.

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Enogha argued that Bayelsa has never thrived in opposition and now stands to benefit from federal goodwill, including mobilization for the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road and the Ekeremor-Agge linkage—projects expected to drive commerce and attract more central government support.

Enogha commended Diri’s development record, pointing to completed senatorial roads, an independent power plant, the nine-storey state secretariat, a 25,000-seat stadium, and other initiatives across the state.

The businessman-politician reaffirmed his loyalty to Diri’s growth agenda and announced his own defection from the PDP to the APC, citing the party’s failure to resolve internal crises.

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Diri formally joined the APC on Monday, having resigned from the PDP last month alongside his aides, cabinet members, and 21 of the 24 state assembly members.

The defection marks a fresh blow to the PDP in the South-South, coming after similar moves by other governors in the region.