Bayelsa State governor, Douye Diri, has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, led top APC figures to Yenagoa for Diri’s official welcome ceremony.
Among the dignitaries are Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, and Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno.
The event serves as a major political shift in Bayelsa, long considered a stronghold of the PDP.
Diri’s defection comes amid a wave of movements by prominent politicians from the PDP to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Announcing his decision at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa Government House, Diri said his resignation followed extensive consultations.
“After extensive consultations, today, 15 October 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he declared.
His decision received the backing of 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere.
Ten lawmakers attended the meeting, while the 24-member Assembly currently comprises 20 PDP legislators, three from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and one from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
