BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – With the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri now a members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says nothing will stop them from sweeping the stakes clean come 2027 general elections.
Accordingly, Yilwatda has tasked Governor Diri on delivering massive votes for the APC, describing Bayelsa as very critical for the ruling Party’s victory in the next election circle.
Yilwatda made the boast while formally welcoming Governor Diri and some PDP State House of Assembly members into APC on Monday at Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The APC National Chairman, who charged Governor Diri to strengthen the party’s base across the South South geo-political zone, directed, “Take this broom as a symbol of authority and unity. Sweep out the PDP and ensure all votes are swept into the APC in 2027.
“We must secure a strong percentage of votes in Bayelsa. Today, Bayelsa State is APC. Governor Diri is now the leader of our party in the state. The National Working Committee will liaise with him on all Bayelsa matters, and I will hold him responsible for the APC’s progress there.”
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima, leading top APC figures to the ceremony that attracted a large crowd of supporters, challenged other APC leaders to cue behind the governor for the party to achieve remarkable success in the State going forward
Stressing the importance of aligning with the centre in politics, Senator Shettima said it was beneficial for Bayelsa state to have Governor Diri dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join forces with the APC.
The Vice President drew attention to the fact that leaders from then Eastern region aligned with the party at the centre in the first and second republic, noting that government gave most of the important positions to the region.
Dignitaries at the defection ceremony included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo State), Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State), and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State).
With this latest development, a major political shift has taken place in Bayelsa, a state long known for being a stronghold of the opposition PDP.
Governor Diri, who addressed the gathering after receiving APC symbols, said the decision to abandon the PDP was taken following extensive consultations with the people of the state.
According to him, “Nearly six years ago, by your kind choice and by divine providence, I was elected Governor of Bayelsa State on the PDP platform, and you honoured me with a second term. I thank Bayelsans for the privilege of serving you.
“Over time, the unity and common purpose that once sustained the party eroded. Despite our best efforts to reform and restore it, the internal dynamics made meaningful renewal increasingly difficult. That point is well documented.
“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was a strategic, collaborative decision. While the justification for this decision may not be immediately apparent to some, you have my assurance that it was taken in the best interests of our people and for the accelerated development of the state.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the national leadership and membership of the APC across all strata of the party for warmly welcoming us into the fold. Your hospitality has been truly remarkable, and we are delighted to be part of this great family.
“Rest assured, we will work collaboratively with existing organs to strengthen the party for the serious work ahead, leveraging our collective strengths and goodwill to drive the party’s growth and success. Together, we can achieve important goals and take our party to greater heights.
“I am grateful for the leadership and accommodation of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am convinced that the fiscal and policy restructuring underway and the renewed focus on infrastructure and service delivery offer opportunities for the collective benefit of Nigerians. I pledge to continue to work constructively with the federal government and support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“There is a biblical verse about a friend who sticks closer than a brother. President Tinubu has shown himself a steadfast supporter of the Ijaw people and a friend to Bayelsa State. Permit me to give a few concrete examples.
“Our dear Nembe-Brass Road, which was on the drawing board for over six decades and for which I had met with the previous government on several occasions, received prompt federal attention after we raised it with the President just once. A contractor was mobilised to continue with the second phase of the project, which the state had started at a significant cost – a clear demonstration of what constructive engagement can achieve.
“Again, when I flagged the excessive tax burden on importing our 60-megawatt gas turbines, the President graciously agreed a waiver to ease that pressure. These are examples of how partnership with the Federal Government can remove obstacles to development.
“Another clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to our state’s prosperity is the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strong endorsement of the Agge Deep Seaport project. We recognize the multiplier effect this investment will bring, including unlocking our marine resources, expanding trade and industry, creating jobs, and helping us diversify our economy away from oil and gas.
“Given these actions, it was natural for us to align with leadership that is prepared to act in Bayelsa’s best interest. Our choice is driven by outcomes, by what advances our people’s welfare.”
Meanwhile, as of the last count, the PDP has lost four sitting governors to APC this year. The list include Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state; Peter Mbah of Enugu state and now Diri of Bayelsa state.
For now, political commentators are watching for an answer to the poser about which governor will be next on line to join the APC’s moving train before the 2027 general elections
