Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said he is leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the overall interest of the state.
He stated this on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri and ahead of his his formal reception into the All Progressives Congress today (Monday).
Diri who said he had to make the move and that he did so on behalf of Bayelsans, was speaking publicly for the first time on the issue since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
He said some people might not immediately understand his decision to join the ruling party, time would reveal that it was driven by altruistic motives.
Diri expressed delight at the convergence of political leaders across party lines at the Thanksgiving service, describing it as a demonstration of unity and maturity.
According to him, the peace and stability being experienced in the state were reasons to be thankful, adding that politics should be used to foster development rather than division.
He said, “Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.
“When we came in as a government, we ensured that most uncompleted projects were completed and new ones were initiated. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
“The peace and security we enjoy today are also reasons for gratitude. Politics should be for development, not to destroy your brother. The gathering here is a testimony to the unity in our state.”
His Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, told Bayelsans to remain united, adding that the state’s progress and development depended on its people’s cohesion. He commended Bayelsa for sustaining the annual thanksgiving tradition, saying gratitude attracts divine blessings.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the event for the first time, described Diri as a unifier. He said the governor’s defection to the APC was timely, noting that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition when key developmental decisions were being taken at the centre.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended Diri for his developmental strides, describing him as a “Godsend to Bayelsa,” and prayed for divine wisdom to guide him in steering the affairs of the state.
