Governor joins ruling party with 23 state lawmakers
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has reportedly resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.
According to reports by Arise TV, the governor made the move alongside 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the South-South region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This development comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also dumped the PDP for the APC, a move that is already reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Details of the defection remain sketchy
While official details of the defection are still emerging, sources close to the development revealed that Governor Diri and the lawmakers may be preparing for a formal announcement in the coming days.
The defection is expected to take place at a grand reception ceremony, possibly in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, with top APC national leaders and political heavyweights in attendance.
Political analysts believe that this move could significantly alter political calculations in Bayelsa State, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Wave of defections ahead of 2027 elections
Governor Diri’s defection is the latest in a series of high-profile political defections from opposition parties to the APC. In recent months, several federal and state lawmakers, as well as key political figures, have joined the ruling party.
Observers believe the realignments are part of a broader political strategy by politicians to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC, which controls the presidency and several states, has been consolidating its political base, especially in regions previously dominated by the PDP and other opposition parties.
Political implications for Bayelsa State
Bayelsa has historically been governed by the PDP and is considered a strategic state in the Niger Delta region. Governor Diri’s defection to the APC could reshape power dynamics in the state, particularly if key political stakeholders follow suit.
Analysts suggest that this development may embolden the APC’s structure in the state and increase its chances of consolidating political control in the South-South region. It could also weaken the PDP’s influence in an area that has long been seen as one of its political strongholds.
APC expected to welcome defectors formally
Although the APC has not yet issued an official statement on Diri’s defection, sources within the party say preparations are underway to formally receive the governor and the lawmakers.
The event is expected to feature top-ranking APC officials, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, senators, and party leaders from across the country.
Party insiders also hinted that the defection may pave the way for greater political collaborations between the federal government and Bayelsa State.
PDP yet to react officially
As of the time of filing this report, the PDP leadership has not issued an official response to the governor’s defection. Party sources, however, say consultations are ongoing at the national level to determine the next steps.
The defection comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with internal divisions and leadership struggles, which have led to several high-ranking members leaving the party in recent months.
Broader national political shifts
Governor Diri’s move mirrors a broader trend of political repositioning in Nigeria’s multiparty system. With less than two years before the next general elections, politicians and power blocs are already aligning themselves with parties they believe offer the best chances of electoral success.
Political analysts say these movements could result in a major realignment of forces before 2027, potentially shaping both state and national election outcomes.
