By Ayomide Otitoju
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered APC delegation to Yenagoa for Diri’s official defection ceremony. Also in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
The event drew massive crowds of jubilant supporters who filled the venue waving APC flags and chanting party slogans to welcome the Bayelsa governor.
Diri’s move represents a major political blow to the PDP, as Bayelsa has long been regarded as one of the party’s traditional strongholds. His defection adds to a growing list of PDP governors who have switched allegiance to the APC in recent months, including Delta’s Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom’s Eno, and Enugu’s Peter Mbah.
Political analysts say Diri’s defection underscores the shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, as key figures reposition themselves within the country’s dominant political blocs.
