Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move was welcomed by Dr. Waripamo‑Owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant to ex‑President Goodluck Jonathan who also served as a commissioner and member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Dudafa described the governor’s decision as a “wise and well‑considered move” that aligns the state with the federal government, promising accelerated development and greater political inclusion.
According to Dudafa, Governor Diri’s pragmatic leadership—characterized by consultation, inclusiveness, and a focus on the common good—underpins his shift to the APC. The former presidential aide expressed confidence that the defection will bring transformation and development to Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta region. He noted that Diri’s administration has been marked by purposeful governance and tangible results, guided by broad consultation, public‑interest action, and measurable development outcomes.
Dudafa commended Governor Diri for his courage and vision, stating that aligning Bayelsa with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a step toward inclusive governance and increased federal presence in the state. He reaffirmed his loyalty and support, assuring that he and his associates will continue to identify with Diri’s administration to sustain peace, unity, and progress.
The governor’s defection to the APC is a significant development in Bayelsa’s political landscape. It is expected to bring greater federal support and investment, potentially improving infrastructure, spurring economic growth, and enhancing social development. While the reaction from Dr. Dudafa and other stakeholders suggests the decision has been well received by parts of the state’s political elite, the broader implications for Bayelsa’s political dynamics and the governor’s relationship with the PDP remain uncertain. As the situation unfolds, Governor Diri will likely face scrutiny from constituents, opposition parties, and the federal government.
Comments are closed for this story.