By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the state in a transfer that indicators a serious shift within the state’s political panorama.
This adopted his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP) on October 15, 2025.
Diri, at a color ceremony held on the Samson Siasia Sports activities Complicated in Yenagoa, was obtained into the APC fold by the celebration’s nationwide chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, APC governors led by Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and different celebration chieftains from throughout the federation.
Talking on the occasion, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded the Bayelsa governor for figuring out with the APC-led Federal Authorities.
He stated: “There are moments within the lifetime of a nation the place politics transcends partisanship when the decision to service outweighs the colors of our sentiments and when leaders reply to one thing better than their affiliation. At this time is a type of redemptive moments within the political historical past of our nation.
“Governor Diri, this gathering is a homecoming celebration for you. We’re right here not merely a ceremony of comfort however a celebration of your conviction. Yours is a narrative of a frontrunner who has chosen the tougher proper over the better fallacious. At this time, you’ve proven us that Bayelsa has chosen the sunshine of integration over the shadows of isolation.
“The APC, the celebration of those that believed that progress can solely be assured once we stand collectively, once we reply the decision of our individuals.
“Politics is about improvement, politics is past making noise, politics is past being in opposition. Governor Diri, we’re pleased with you. You could have made the best determination; you’ve led with calm dignity, however beneath that calm lies your dedication to improvement, unity, and progress.
You could have expanded roads to distant communities and guaranteed them that they don’t seem to be forgotten. You could have constructed bridges the place there are boundaries, you’ve constructed hope the place there was darkness, and that is what it means to control with empathy.
“From the Sagbama/Ekeremor freeway to the Yenagoa/Oporoma Bridge, you’ve related lives. From school rooms to clinics, you’ve demonstrated that good governance just isn’t about noise, however about making an affect.
“You are actually a part of the progressive household, a household that thinks and acts collectively. So we welcome you to this board to look at and help you as champions. You could have already been one.
From the well being reforms that give hope to the sick, to the faculties which might be open gates of alternative to hundreds of Ijaw youngsters, we’re right here to revive the arrogance and dignity of those that have misplaced religion in authorities.
“President Bola Tinubu has proven repeatedly that politics just isn’t warfare. It’s the artwork of constructing bridges throughout rivers of distinction. And so, nobody understands this metaphor extra profoundly than a son of the creeks, who has constructed literal and political bridges throughout the waters of the Niger Delta.
“That is for us a political reunion with a progressive thoughts. You could have at all times been a progressive. And right here, within the presence of the quantity three residents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I’ve a easy message for you from the President and from the Chairman. Relating to the APC Structure, the Governor serves because the chief of the celebration within the state. What binds us collectively supersedes no matter divides us. We’re one celebration with a typical future. And right here on this gathering.”
Additionally talking, the nationwide chairman of the APC, Professor Ntawe Yilwatda, thanked the governor and the individuals of Bayelsa for the daring transfer.
His phrases, “I need to thank the individuals of Bayelsa State for taking this determination. Let me thank the individuals of Bayelsa for making a U-turn in the best route. The fishermen have spoken. The farmers have spoken. Ijaw Nation has spoken. The South South has spoken.
“The merchants and employees have spoken in a single voice that we are actually APC. On behalf of the nationwide working committee and tens of millions of APC supporters throughout the nation, and the properly needs of the nation internationally, we welcome the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, to our huge household the place there are sufficient mansions to accommodate all people.
“At this time, Bayelsa State is APC. Bayelsa State is just too crucial for us to go away it susceptible to disruption.
We noticed all the pieces good you might be in Bayelsa. We welcome you to the APC household.
“At this time, I provide the flag of APC because the chief of the celebration in Bayelsa State. Something regarding Bayelsa State, the nationwide working committee will contact Diri, and we maintain him accountable for something regarding APC within the state. At this time, you are taking over because the chief of our celebration within the state.”
He added: “With this flag, we would like you to brush out PDP and sweep all of the votes to APC in 2027. We should have 100 per cent vote in Bayelsa.”
Responding, Governor Douye Diri said that his determination to defect to the APC was a results of the disaster rocking the PDP and the management acumen of President Bola Tinubu.
His phrases: “Fellow Bayelsans and expensive residents, on 15 October 2025, after a lot public hypothesis and debate, I introduced my resignation from membership of the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP) in accordance with the related protocols. At this time, I’ll clarify that call and focus on the way forward for our state.
“Practically six years in the past, by your variety selection and by divine windfall, I used to be elected Governor of Bayelsa State on the PDP platform, and also you honoured me with a second time period. I thank the individuals of Bayelsa for the privilege of serving you.
“Over time, the unity and customary goal that after sustained the celebration eroded. Regardless of our greatest efforts to reform and restore it, the inner dynamics made significant renewal more and more tough. That time is properly documented.
“After vast consultations and cautious consideration, we now have in the present day formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was a strategic, collaborative determination. Whereas the justification for this determination will not be instantly obvious to some, I guarantee you that it was made in the very best pursuits of our individuals and for the accelerated improvement of the state.
“I want to specific my profound gratitude to the nationwide management and membership of the APC throughout all strata of the celebration for warmly welcoming us into the fold. Your hospitality has been actually outstanding, and we’re delighted to be a part of this nice household.
“Relaxation assured, we’ll work collaboratively with current organs to strengthen the celebration for the intense work forward, leveraging our collective strengths and goodwill to drive the celebration’s development and success. Collectively, we will obtain vital targets and elevate our celebration to new heights.
“I’m grateful for the management and lodging of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I’m satisfied that the fiscal and coverage restructuring underway, together with the renewed give attention to infrastructure and repair supply, provide alternatives for the collective advantage of Nigerians. I pledge to proceed to work constructively with the federal authorities and help President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“There’s a biblical verse a couple of good friend who sticks nearer than a brother. President Tinubu has demonstrated himself to be a steadfast supporter of the Ijaw individuals and a good friend to Bayelsa State. Allow me to present a couple of concrete examples.
“One of many Ijaw Nation’s cherished lengthy‑standing calls for is a coastal highway. Beneath President Tinubu’s management, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway challenge is shifting from want to actuality, and Bayelsa stands to achieve from improved connectivity and financial alternative.”
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