Real reason I’m defecting to APC – Bayelsa gov, Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the overall interest of the state.

Diri made the remark on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day celebration at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, ahead of his official reception into the APC scheduled for Monday, November 3.

It was his first public comment since resigning from the PDP on October 15, 2025.

The governor explained that though some people might not immediately understand his defection, time would eventually justify the move, stressing that it was motivated by genuine concern for Bayelsa’s progress.

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He also expressed satisfaction over the presence of various political leaders at the event, noting that unity among Bayelsans was vital for the state’s continued growth.

According to him, politics should be centred on development rather than destruction, adding that his administration remained focused on strengthening peace and fostering unity.

“Somebody had to make the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it 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, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed, and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.

“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development, not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,” he said.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Funkekeme Solomon, said Bayelsa’s strength lay in the unity of its people and urged continued support for Diri’s administration.

Oborevwori praised the state for sustaining its tradition of thanksgiving, describing it as a practice that invites divine favour.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the thanksgiving for the first time, hailed Diri as a “unifier.”

Lokpobiri said, “The governor’s recent political move was timely, noting that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition when key developmental decisions were being made at the national level.”

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, also described Diri as “God-sent” to Bayelsa, citing his developmental achievements and praying for divine wisdom to guide him further.

Delivering a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, said gratitude was essential because God never abandons His children.

He assured the congregation that victory and blessings would follow if they continued to acknowledge God as their Alpha and Omega.

Other dignitaries, including Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council and former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.), and President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, also lauded the governor’s leadership and called for sustained unity in the state.

Notable attendees included the governor’s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajia Fatima Tajudeen-Abbas; Senators Benson Agadaga and Sunday Katung; members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa, and Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere.

Others present were the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; former Governor of old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha; former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; and 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon.

Also in attendance were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; cleric Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; captains of industry; traditional rulers; and top government functionaries.

Renowned gospel artiste Asu Ekiye ministered at the thanksgiving service.