Major Political Earthquake: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Dumps PDP for APC Amid Wave of Defections

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered delegation of APC leaders to Yenagoa for the formal defection ceremony, which drew thousands of party supporters waving flags and chanting party slogans.

Among the dignitaries present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).

Diri’s defection represents a major shift in Bayelsa’s political landscape, as the state has long been considered a stronghold of the PDP. His move adds to a growing list of high-profile defections from the PDP to the APC in recent months.

So far in 2025, the PDP has lost four sitting governors — Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).

Governor Diri had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP on October 15 during a meeting at the Bayelsa Government House Executive Council Chamber. He explained that his decision followed “extensive consultations” and that all local government chairmen in the state would join him in his new political home.

“I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party after wide consultations and in keeping with due protocols,” he declared.

His move has received the endorsement of 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere. Out of the 24-member Assembly, 20 were previously PDP lawmakers, three from the APC, and one from APGA.

Meanwhile, the PDP continues to grapple with internal leadership crises. In recent days, National Chairman Umar Damagum and the National Working Committee suspended several top party officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.

In a counter-move, Anyanwu’s faction suspended Damagum and National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba. By Monday, Anyanwu’s camp, led by acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, had resumed control at the party’s national secretariat, while Damagum’s loyalists stayed away.

Diri’s defection — and the internal strife tearing through the PDP — are being seen as early indicators of a turbulent political season as the 2027 elections approach.