Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – June 29, 2025 | A major political shift is happening in Bayelsa State as most lawmakers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have agreed to support Governor Douye Diri’s plan to leave the PDP and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Currently, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has 24 members. Out of these, 19 belong to the PDP, and the remaining five are in the opposition. Governor Diri, who has led the state under the PDP, has been holding talks about switching to the APC — Nigeria’s ruling party at the national level.
Secret Talks and Political Strategy
Sources say Governor Diri recently asked the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ngobere, to speak with the lawmakers and get their opinion about his plan to defect to the APC. This came after his earlier attempt to convince the Bayelsa National Assembly caucus (PDP lawmakers from Bayelsa in Abuja) did not go well. Some members, especially Hon. Fred Agbedi, who represents Sagbama/Ekeremor in the House of Representatives, strongly opposed the idea.
Agbedi is said to be worried that joining the APC would put him under the political control of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, who is a top APC leader in Bayelsa.
Even though there were disagreements at the national level, Governor Diri pushed forward. He recently traveled to France with Speaker Ngobere, and after returning, he asked the Speaker to gather the opinions of the state lawmakers.
Lawmakers Say “Yes”
At a private meeting held at the Speaker’s house, most of the PDP lawmakers reportedly agreed to support the Governor’s defection to the APC. They argued that the PDP is currently facing internal problems and can no longer protect their political future. According to them, joining the APC might offer more stability and opportunities.
One lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the meeting and said, “Yes, the Speaker has called us and we have met. The truth is that we are moving.”
Not Everyone Agrees
However, not all PDP lawmakers are on board. Out of the 19 PDP members, three rejected the idea. Two of them are from Sagbama Local Government Area (Governor Diri’s home area), and one is from Kolokuma/Opokuma. They believe this is not the right time for such a major political move.
Despite these objections, it seems that the majority of PDP lawmakers in Bayelsa are ready to follow the Governor to the APC. If this happens officially, it will mark a big change in Bayelsa politics, which has been a stronghold for the PDP since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
If Governor Diri and his supporters switch parties, it could change who has power and influence in Bayelsa State. It may also affect future elections and who gets what role in the state’s government.
More updates are expected as the Governor makes his official announcement.
