Diri dumps PDP, declares Bayelsa an APC state at grand defection rally
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Diri was officially received into the APC on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a massive rally in Yenagoa, the state capital. The event drew a large crowd of supporters and prominent political leaders from across the South-South region.
During the ceremony, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda presented the party’s flag to Diri, declaring him the new leader of the APC in Bayelsa State.
READ ALSO: APC demand new governorship re-election in Bayelsa State
“Bayelsa has spoken. Today, Bayelsa State is APC,” Yilwatda announced. “Governor Diri is now the leader of our great party in Bayelsa. We welcome him with our symbol — the broom — to sweep out the PDP and sweep in victory come 2027.”
Speaking after receiving the flag, Diri described his defection as a collective decision of the Ijaw people rather than a personal move.
“On the 15th, I resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party for obvious reasons,” he said. “This is not just Bayelsa defecting — it is the entire Ijaw nation joining the APC.”
READ ALSO: Bayelsa governor, Douye Diri, dumps PDP
The rally was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several governors, including Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).
Diri’s defection adds to the growing list of PDP governors who have switched allegiance to the APC this year, including Oborevwori of Delta, Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Peter Mbah of Enugu — a development that further deepens the crisis within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
