BY PHILLIP EKE
Political tension is rising in Bayelsa State amid strong indications that Governor Douye Diri may be in advanced talks to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
If confirmed, Diri’s defection could significantly erode the PDP’s influence in the South-South geopolitical zone, especially following the recent defections of Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC.
Investigations suggest that Governor Diri has begun consultations with senior figures in the Presidency and political stakeholders in Bayelsa over the possible switch.
A reliable source disclosed that he had briefed several National Assembly members from the state and sought their opinions. However, the response has reportedly been mixed.
“Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP. While some have shown support, others such as Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe) have voiced reservations, arguing that the move may be premature,” the source revealed.
Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Federal Constituency) is said to be watching the stance of former governor and current senator for Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, who is reportedly opposed to the move but has chosen not to interfere directly.
Meanwhile, Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) are believed to be non-committal, but would likely follow Diri if he defects.
Within the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Speaker Abraham Ngobere has reportedly been tasked with sounding out lawmakers on the matter.
A senior legislator confirmed that informal consultations have begun and a formal briefing is expected once the Speaker returns from an overseas trip.
“The chances of defection are very high,” the lawmaker stated. “Many of us are prepared to move with the governor. Bayelsa cannot afford to remain the only South-South state in the PDP, especially with ongoing internal disputes and the threat of court rulings undermining party candidates. The APC appears to offer greater stability.”
Former Minister of Petroleum and former Bayelsa Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, welcomed the idea of Diri joining the APC, saying, “If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be glad to welcome him. When I first introduced the APC to Bayelsa, it was dismissed as not being an Ijaw party. But today, it’s gaining ground. His defection would be a huge boost.”
However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied any knowledge of the development.
“I am not aware of any discussions the governor has had concerning defection. Governor Diri is a transparent leader. If he ever makes such a decision, he will announce it clearly. For now, I have no information to that effect,” Alabrah said
