Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, has expressed his delight following his defection from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a post shared on his official X account on Monday, Diri lauded his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, saying, ” The time is here! We have made our decision to join the Renewed Hope family.
Diri had delayed his defection to the All Progressives Congress two weeks after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party, following his request to have Vice President, Kashim Shettima to hand over the party flag to him at the formal unveiling ceremony at the refurbished Samson Siasia Complex, Yenagoa.
Recall that the Bayelsa State Governor had announced his exit from the PDP in October during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa. He defended his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the overall interest of the state.
It was the first time he had spoken publicly on the issue since resigning from the PDP on October 15, 2025. Diri explained that some people might not understand his decision to join the ruling party, but that with the passage of time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic.
He expressed delight over the gathering of different political leaders during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, stressing that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.
Diri stated that politics should be focused on development, rather than bringing people down, and that his administration would continue to unite and develop the state. The Bayelsa helmsman also stated that the current peace and security in the state, as well as its ongoing development, were reasons to be grateful to God and urged the people to adopt a culture of thanksgiving.
“Somebody had to make the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all. “When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed, and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
“The peace and security we are enjoying are another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”
