From Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa
President Bola Tinubu on Monday welcomed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a “bold and right decision” that prioritizes national development over partisan loyalty.
This followed his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, 2025.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Tinubu’s remarks at a colorful reception held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.
“This is a reinventing moment for Nigerian politics,” Shettima quoted the president as saying. “Governor Diri’s homecoming reflects a deep commitment to progress and national unity.”
NOG energy week: Stakeholders target 3m bpd oil output, gas expansion by 2030
Tinubu commended Diri for ongoing infrastructure projects across Bayelsa, particularly road networks and bridges, and assured the state of sustained federal support under the APC administration.
Speaking to the cheering crowd, Diri explained that he exhausted all avenues to reform the PDP before deciding to leave. “The party was hijacked by undertakers determined to bury it,” he said. “I could not allow Bayelsa to sink with a failing vessel.”
NSCDC intercepts truck loaded with stolen NNPC pipes in Adamawa
The governor revealed that his decision followed extensive consultations with Ijaw leaders and stakeholders, emphasizing that the move serves the “overriding interest of the Ijaw nation.”
Diri expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for fulfilling key demands, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, phase two of the Nembe-Brass Road, and a N4 billion tax waiver for a 60-megawatt gas turbine project.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentewa Yilwatda conducted the formal induction, presenting Diri with the party flag and symbolic broom. “Bayelsa has spoken with one voice—we are now APC,” Yilwatda declared.
Yilwatda charged Diri to rally the state for a resounding APC victory in the 2027 presidential election, signaling confidence in Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The defection significantly bolsters the APC’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone, positioning the party for stronger electoral performance in future cycles.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
,%20describing%20the%20governor%E2%80%99s%20defection%20from%20the%20Peoples%20Democratic%20Party%20(PDP)%20as%20a%20%E2%80%9Cbold%20and%20right%20decision%E2%80%9D%20that%20prioritizes%20national%20development%20over%20partisan%20loyalty.){kind=link}