In a move that could fundamentally reshape Bayelsa State’s political landscape and send tremors through the national structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Douye Diri is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) — a move shrouded in months of quiet maneuvering, hushed consultations, and bitter internal battles.
Sources confirm that Diri’s highly anticipated switch to the APC will come next week, marking a dramatic climax to what insiders say has been an ongoing political chess game riddled with mistrust, ambition, and backdoor alliances.
The governor’s impending defection comes as the PDP bleeds from multiple self-inflicted wounds — internal crises, factional warfare, and ideological fatigue — leaving its once-solid grip on Bayelsa in serious jeopardy. The defection, while denied in public by the governor’s media handlers, is already an open secret in the corridors of power in Yenagoa.
WHO’S JUMPING SHIP — AND WHO’S NOT?
The defection will reportedly see a majority of Bayelsa State House of Assembly members following Diri into the APC, particularly those eyeing 2027 re-election bids. They fear that sticking with the fractured PDP could lead to candidacy disqualifications and political irrelevance.
However, Diri’s bold move isn’t without resistance. Bayelsa’s National Assembly members are digging in their heels, with heavyweights like Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, Fred Agbedi, Maria Ebikake, and Mietama Obordor reportedly refusing to defect. The tension is palpable — a political civil war brewing within the state’s PDP fold.
Interestingly, Senator Konbowei Benson is said to be the lone NASS member boarding the APC train with Diri.
DICKSON VS DIRI: COLD WAR GOES HOT
Former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, a PDP strongman and one of the most influential figures in Bayelsa politics, is reportedly incensed by Diri’s clandestine moves. Sources say Diri deliberately avoided consulting Dickson, knowing he would outrightly reject the defection plan.
“The governor is now surrounded by political mercenaries — people who were nowhere near the struggle in 2019 or 2023. They’re whispering federal might in his ear,” a top PDP insider said.
There are strong indications that Dickson may emerge as the rallying point for the PDP resistance, potentially reactivating his old political machinery to fight Diri from the opposition bench — a familiar territory for the former “Governor-General” of Ijaw politics.
APC: READY TO WELCOME THE PRODIGAL GOVERNOR
Over in the APC camp, the champagne is reportedly on ice. Although Bayelsa APC Chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio claims ignorance, insiders say plans are “100% complete” to welcome Diri with a grand ceremony. An APC chieftain from Diri’s LGA confirmed the party’s readiness to “embrace the governor.”
The move is especially juicy for APC factions loyal to Chief Timipre Sylva, despite reported animosity between him and Diri. The looming question: Can APC hold together its own internal factions once Diri enters the arena?
APC NATIONAL PLOT THICKENS
The timing of Diri’s defection is politically potent. Just hours ago, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) met in Abuja for its 179th meeting, where restructuring and realignment took center stage. Though Diri’s defection wasn’t officially on the agenda, the party is clearly preparing for a wave of shifts:
• The dissolution of the Enugu State APC Executive Committee signals a readiness to purge unstable structures.
• The Ekiti governorship screening and formation of a National Reconciliation Committee suggest a broader strategy to stabilise the party ahead of major political migrations and congresses.
Observers believe Diri’s defection could be the biggest scalp the APC grabs ahead of the 2027 elections — especially if Bayelsa becomes a flagship APC-controlled oil-rich state in the South-South.
There are also whispers a South-East governor, who may executed a coup that effectively shot down the political ambitions of a recently ‘resigned’ minister may be headed the way of the APC from the PDP.
One source explained that the political juggling in Enugu by the APC National body is to pave way for the coming “big fish”.
WHAT’S REALLY AT STAKE?
This isn’t just a defection. It’s a calculated gamble on 2027, federal might, and who controls the political soul of Bayelsa.
With the PDP’s base fractured and morale dipping, Diri’s departure could spark an exodus, especially among mid-level political operatives eyeing survival in a rapidly realigning political terrain.
But the real war is only beginning.
As one PDP stalwart put it, “Let him go. We’ll meet him at the polls. With or without federal might.”
Below is the APC statement that shot down the ambition of Mr. Kayode Ojo to be Governor of Ondo State, and reorganised the APC in Enugu State:
PRESS STATEMENT
Thursday, 9th October, 2025
RESOLUTIONS OF THE 179TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE (NWC) OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) HELD AT THE PARTY’S NATIONAL SECRETARIAT, ABUJA, ON THURSDAY, 9TH OCTOBER, 2025
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its 179th meeting at the Party’s National Secretariat, Abuja, on Thursday, 9th October, 2025, presided over by the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached:
1. Dissolution of Enugu State Executive Committee and Appointment of Caretaker Committee
The NWC approved the dissolution of the APC Enugu State Executive Committee with immediate effect, following a comprehensive review of the state of the Party in Enugu State.
Consequently, a seven (7) member Caretaker Committee has been constituted to oversee the affairs of the Party in the State.
The Committee, which will be inaugurated on Friday, 10th October, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, is composed as follows:
Dr. Ben Nwoye – Chairman
H.E. Mrs. Fidelia Njoeze – Member
Comrade Peter Chime – Member
Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Ajih – Member
Dr. Chiedozie Nwafor – Member
Engr. Emma Ekeh – Member
Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh – Secretary
2. Ekiti State Governorship Aspirant Screening Exercise
The NWC considered and deliberated on the report of the APC Ekiti State Governorship Aspirant Screening Exercise.
The following aspirants were cleared to contest the Party’s Primary Election:
Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo
The following aspirants were disqualified:
Engr. Ojo Kayode
Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi
3. APC National Reconciliation Committee
The APC National Reconciliation Committee, chaired by H.E. Chief Bisi Akande, will be inaugurated at a date to be announced soon.
4. Party Congresses
The timetable for the Party’s congresses across the country will be released soon.
5. APC Constitution Amendment Committee
The APC Constitution Amendment Committee will commence public hearings within the month of October 2025.
6. Anambra State Governorship National Campaign Council
The APC Anambra State Governorship National Campaign Council will be inaugurated soon.
Signed:
Hon. Durosinmi Meseko
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
