Political uncertainty is gripping Bayelsa State following reports that Governor Douye Diri is in advanced discussions to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, if finalized, could further reshape the political landscape of the South-South region, traditionally a PDP stronghold, but now experiencing a wave of defections. Governor Diri’s consideration comes on the heels of similar high-profile exits from the PDP by Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom.
Multiple sources confirm that Diri has opened discreet lines of communication with senior figures in the Presidency and has begun consultations with stakeholders across Bayelsa. A credible insider revealed that the governor has already informed key National Assembly members representing the state and is gauging their positions on the matter.
“Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP,” the source disclosed. “While some have expressed support, others—like Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe)—remain cautious. They believe the PDP still holds strategic value in Bayelsa and see no immediate reason for a shift.”
The defection discussion appears to have triggered realignment among key political actors in the state. Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Federal Constituency) is reportedly watching the stance of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, a former governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, who is said to oppose the move but is refraining from overt interference.
Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) have adopted a wait-and-see approach, though insiders suggest they may follow Diri if he proceeds.
Within the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Speaker Abraham Ngobere has allegedly been tasked with sounding out lawmakers. A senior Assembly member confirmed the Speaker has begun informal consultations and will deliver a formal briefing once he returns from an overseas trip.
“The chances of the governor defecting are very high,” said a senior legislator. “Many of us in the Assembly are ready to follow him. Bayelsa cannot be isolated in the South-South. The APC is increasingly becoming the zone’s dominant party, and the PDP’s internal divisions make it risky for future ambitions.”
Reacting to the development, former Minister of Petroleum and former Bayelsa governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, expressed readiness to welcome Diri to the APC fold.
“If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be happy to receive him,” Sylva said in a phone interview. “When I introduced APC in Bayelsa, it was seen as an alien party. Now, the tide is
