By Charles Pemu 
YENAGOA, Nigeria — Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has publicly stated that his decision to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken solely in the “overall interest of the state,” a declaration made just hours ahead of his formal reception into the APC today (Monday, November 3).
Speaking on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Yenagoa, Governor Diri offered his first public explanation since his resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri stated, appealing for understanding regarding his high-stakes political move.
Governor Diri stressed that the peace, stability, and ongoing development in the state were reasons to be thankful, emphasizing that politics should be used to foster growth rather than division. He highlighted his administration’s focus on completing inherited projects and initiating new ones as evidence of progress.
The thanksgiving event itself served as a powerful platform for unity, drawing political leaders from across party lines, including key figures from the APC who praised the Governor’s action.
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who attended the event, commended Diri as a unifier and described his defection as timely.
Lokpobiri noted that the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition “when key developmental decisions were being taken at the centre,” suggesting alignment with the Federal Government was necessary for Bayelsa’s benefit.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, lauded the Governor’s “developmental strides,” describing him as a “godsend to Bayelsa.”
The event was also attended by the former APC governorship candidate in 2019, Chief David Lyon, as well as governors, senators, and traditional rulers, signaling a broad acceptance of the Governor’s transition.
Governor Diri’s formal reception into the APC is expected to take place today, Monday, November 3.