Why I dumped PDP for APC – Gov Douye Diri

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained the reasons behind his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the  All Progressives Congress (APC) , saying the move was made in the overall interest of the state and its people.

Speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day  at the  Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa , Diri said his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to ensure that Bayelsa benefits more directly from national development opportunities under the APC-led Federal Government.

“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,” the governor said.

He noted that leadership sometimes requires bold and unpopular choices, stressing that Bayelsa could no longer afford to remain on the sidelines while critical national projects and policies were being implemented.

Diri added that his administration’s focus remains on peace, stability, and development, urging political actors to prioritise unity over partisanship.

“When we came in as a government, we completed uncompleted projects and initiated new ones. The peace and security we enjoy today are reasons to thank God. Politics should promote development, not division, “he stated.

The governor’s defection, announced on October 15, 2025, has drawn mixed reactions, but Diri maintained that time would vindicate his decision as one taken for the collective good of Bayelsans.

Prominent leaders, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and Bishop Mike Okonkwo, praised Diri for his courage and described his move as a step toward greater inclusion and growth for the state.