Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has been welcomed by a former Senior Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamo-owei Dudafa. Dudafa, who also served as a commissioner and member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, described the governor’s decision as a “wise and well-considered move” that aligns the state with the federal government for accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
According to Dudafa, Governor Diri’s pragmatic leadership style, guided by consultation, inclusiveness, and the pursuit of the common good, reflects his decision to join the APC. The former presidential aide expressed confidence that the governor’s move will bring about transformation and development for the people of Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region. He noted that Diri’s administration has been characterized by purposeful governance and tangible results, with a guiding principle of consulting widely, acting in the public interest, and delivering measurable development outcomes.
Dudafa commended Governor Diri for his courage and vision, stating that aligning Bayelsa with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a step towards ensuring inclusive governance and attracting more federal presence to the state. He reaffirmed his loyalty and support for the governor, assuring that he and his associates will continue to identify with Diri’s administration to sustain peace, unity, and progress in the state.
The governor’s defection to the APC is seen as a significant development in the state’s political landscape. With this move, Bayelsa State is expected to benefit from increased federal support and investment, which could lead to improved infrastructure, economic growth, and social development. As the state navigates this new political alignment, Governor Diri’s administration will likely face both opportunities and challenges in its efforts to deliver on its development agenda.
The reaction from Dr. Dudafa and other stakeholders suggests that Governor Diri’s decision has been well-received by some sections of the state’s political elite. However, the implications of this move on the state’s political dynamics and the governor’s relationship with his former party, the PDP, remain to be seen. As the situation unfolds, it is likely that the governor will face scrutiny from various quarters, including his constituents, opposition parties, and the federal government.
