Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has described Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as shameful and disappointing.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard on the recent wave of defections in Bayelsa, George stated that the refusal of Diri’s deputy and other PDP leaders in the state to join him clearly shows that the governor’s move goes beyond mere politics.

According to the PDP chieftain, Governor Diri should have shown more respect to the people of Bayelsa, especially considering that he became governor through a Supreme Court judgment.

He said:

“It is a shame on him because a rolling stone gathers no moss. Something must be attracting them to the APC, but what has that party done to make Nigerians happy?

“The country’s debt profile has skyrocketed, the economy is in shambles, people are struggling in the markets, and young graduates have no hope. So I don’t understand what is driving them to the APC.”

George further claimed that some governors defect out of fear of being investigated after their tenure, saying:

“Some believe that after leaving office, they might face the EFCC. But so what?”

He added that the decision of Diri’s deputy and several PDP leaders to remain in the party is a clear signal that not everyone supports the defection.

On the situation in Enugu State, George briefly addressed the internal rift involving Governor Peter Mbah, noting that the party leadership had appealed for patience until Samuel Anyanwu’s tenure as national secretary expires next month.