Ex-Lawmaker Expresses Hope That Diri Will Join APC After Leaving PDP

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Political realignments in Bayelsa State have taken center stage following the resignation of Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The development has sparked fresh conversations across Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are eager to welcome the governor into their fold.

According to Gossip News Now, the governor made his decision public during a high-level State Executive Council session held at the Government House in Yenagoa, where he attributed his departure to reasons he described as evident to observers of the state’s political climate.

APC Stakeholder Signals Confidence in Diri’s Next Move

A prominent APC figure and former federal lawmaker, Israel Sunny-Goli, has openly expressed optimism that the Bayelsa governor’s next political destination will be the ruling party. His remarks reflect growing anticipation within APC circles that Diri’s exit from the PDP is only the first step toward a major political shift.

Sunny-Goli portrayed the governor as a forward-thinking leader whose governance record aligns with the APC’s vision. He emphasized that Diri’s track record in infrastructure and development makes him an ideal candidate for integration into the ruling party’s structure.

Rather than quoting directly, the APC chieftain’s position can be summarized as a strong belief that Diri possesses the leadership qualities—competence, sincerity, and administrative strength—that would make him thrive within the APC while advancing Bayelsa’s growth agenda.

Cross-Party Support Highlights Political Influence

Interestingly, Sunny-Goli disclosed that his support for Douye Diri goes beyond party lines. Despite his loyalty to the APC, he admitted backing the governor during the last election due to what he described as visible progress and commitment to governance.

He further downplayed speculation linking Diri to smaller political platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP). In his view, those parties lack the nationwide influence and institutional depth required to sustain the governor’s long-term ambitions.

Instead, he maintained that the APC remains the only political platform with the reach and structural capacity to support large-scale governance goals in Bayelsa and beyond.

Diri Confirms Collective Exit from PDP

Governor Douye Diri, while announcing his resignation, made it clear that his decision was not a solitary one. He revealed that several influential figures within the state’s political structure had aligned with him.

Among those present during the announcement were key legislative leaders, including Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, alongside other lawmakers and political stakeholders.

Reframing his message, the governor indicated that his move followed extensive consultations and strategic discussions. He stressed that the decision reflects a shared direction among allies who believe a new political path is necessary for the state’s future.

Political Implications and Strategic Outlook

The unfolding developments suggest a potential recalibration of power dynamics in Bayelsa State. With Douye Diri yet to formally declare his next political affiliation, the anticipation surrounding his possible move to the APC continues to grow.

From an analytical standpoint, this situation underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where ideology often takes a backseat to strategic positioning and influence. If Diri eventually aligns with the APC, it could significantly strengthen the party’s foothold in the South-South region.

At the same time, the PDP faces another test of resilience as it navigates high-profile departures and attempts to maintain relevance ahead of future elections.