Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is reportedly finalising plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to findings by The Sun.
Sources close to the development told The Sun that the defection, which has been in the works for several months, is expected to take place officially on October 14, 2025. The governor is said to have handled the process discreetly due to tensions within the Bayelsa APC, especially among factions loyal to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
According to insiders, Diri’s decision is linked to the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has made the platform less viable for him and many of his allies ahead of the 2027 elections.
Before reaching his decision, the governor reportedly consulted with prominent Bayelsa elders and, as a mark of respect, informed former President Goodluck Jonathan of his intention to leave the party. He is also believed to have secured the backing of most members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who are expected to defect with him.
It was further gathered that Diri had hinted at his plans during meetings with local government chairmen and members of the State Executive Council. Many of them, who are seeking re-election or higher political offices, are said to have encouraged him to make the move early to avoid possible legal complications stemming from the PDP’s internal crisis.
However, a number of National Assembly members have reportedly declined to join him in the move. Those said to be staying back in the PDP include former governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, Senator Benson Agadaga, and three members of the House of Representatives — Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Maria Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), and Mietama Obordor (Ogbia).
Despite this, a lawmaker close to Diri told The Sun that the defection is a done deal:“There is no going back on the governor crossing to the APC. We have passed the stage of consultation. The governor is going with members of the House of Assembly, though not all of us are going. Also, some members of the National Assembly are not going. Senator Konbowei Benson is going with the governor. The defection may be next week.”
An APC chieftain from the governor’s local government area, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that arrangements had been concluded for Diri’s entry into the party and that members were ready to receive him.
However, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, the Bayelsa APC chairman, said he was not aware of any defection plans. Similarly, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, denied knowledge of Diri’s move to the APC.
Meanwhile, the development has reportedly divided the Bayelsa PDP. Some top members expressed concern, accusing a group of younger politicians around the governor of pushing him toward the APC in hopes of leveraging federal influence in future elections.
One PDP stalwart told The Sun:“Some of the people who were not part of the struggle to bring the governor to power in 2019 and 2023 are now the ones advising him. They are unpopular but believe that joining the APC will help them use federal might to retain power.”
Sources also revealed that Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, who has distanced himself from the Diri administration, was not consulted about the defection, as Diri allegedly knew he would reject the idea.
Party insiders suggest that those opposing Diri’s move may rally around Dickson to lead the PDP opposition once Bayelsa becomes an APC-controlled state under Diri.
