Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri’s APC Defection Delayed Amid Party Negotiations

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is reportedly postponing his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as key party leaders, including former Governor Timipre Sylva and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, continue negotiations over control of the state party structure.

The development has intensified political tension in Bayelsa. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintains that Diri’s potential exit would betray the mandate on which he was elected, while the APC is quietly preparing for his eventual reception in Yenagoa.

Barely a week after resigning from the PDP, top APC officials indicated that Diri’s defection could be formalised as early as next week. Although no official date has been set, discussions with the governor are reportedly “well advanced,” dismissing speculation that opposition from Sylva and Lokpobiri could block the move.

Deputy Organising Secretary of the APC, Nze Chidi Duru, said the party is open to Diri joining, describing the APC as a “large family” that welcomes any Nigerian aligned with its vision and leadership. He also defended Sylva and Lokpobiri as loyal party leaders whose contributions remain vital.

APC Vice Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed that while Diri’s defection plan is settled, internal challenges involving his deputy governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political camp have delayed a public announcement. Arodiogbu hinted that the reception in Yenagoa could happen as soon as next week.

Diri’s resignation from the PDP has unsettled Bayelsa’s political landscape. Rumours had circulated that he intended to join the APC, following the examples of governors in Akwa Ibom and Delta states. His recent public appearances with former President Jonathan fueled speculation about political alignment, though his aides insist the meetings were purely ceremonial.

Insiders suggest that ongoing negotiations with Sylva and Lokpobiri aim to ensure a smooth integration into the APC. There are also reports that the current APC state executive may be dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee to facilitate Diri’s emergence as party leader.

Meanwhile, former PDP National Legal Adviser Mark Jacob has called for Diri to vacate office, arguing that his resignation without joining another party renders his governorship “constitutionally void.” He criticised Nigeria’s lax enforcement of anti-defection laws, warning that politicians now switch parties with impunity.

All eyes remain on Yenagoa as the next few days could determine whether Governor Diri’s political move strengthens the APC in Bayelsa or sparks further instability in the state.