A former member of the House of Representatives and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Israel Sunny-Goli, has expressed optimism that Governor Douye Diri will soon join the ruling party following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Gossip News Now reports that Diri announced his exit from the PDP on Wednesday during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons” for his decision.
Although the governor has yet to officially declare his next political move, there is growing speculation that he is preparing to join the APC.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Sunny-Goli said Diri’s leadership style, sincerity, and performance make him a natural fit for the ruling party.
He stated,
“We see a leader who is competent, capable, sincere, and ready to take Bayelsa to the next level. That is why those of us in the APC are praying and hoping that when he finally announces his new political home, it will be the APC.”
Sunny-Goli further revealed that despite being a member of the APC, he voted for Diri in the last governorship election because of the governor’s developmental projects and commitment to progress.
He also dismissed suggestions that Diri might join smaller opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or Labour Party (LP), arguing that those platforms lack the structure and stability needed to support the governor’s ambitions.
“Only the APC has the national reach and institutional strength to back the governor’s vision for Bayelsa,” he added.
‘I Am Not Leaving Alone’ – Diri
In his resignation speech, Governor Diri emphasized that his decision was not made in isolation, noting that several key lawmakers and political leaders in the state had also joined him.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the announcement was made in the presence of Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Deputy Speaker, Michael Ogbere; APGA Minority Leader, Edward Brigidi; and seven other lawmakers.
Diri said his decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders and political leaders across the state.
“Today, I wish to address an issue that has been the subject of speculation and debate across party lines in Bayelsa and beyond.
We allowed the speculations to run their course while we concluded our consultations.
I am not resigning alone, as you can see. I am here with the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of our party in the Assembly who stand with me.
So today, I formally resign from the PDP for very obvious reasons,” the governor declared.
