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Bayelsa In Shock as Governor Diri Dumps PDP For APC, Cites 15 Bold Reasons.
Bayelsa State was thrown into political excitement on November 3 as Governor Douye Diri officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move party leaders described as “a long-overdue homecoming.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The defection ceremony at Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa drew thousands of APC supporters, turning the city into a carnival despite persistent rainfall. By mid-morning, the 5,000-capacity stadium had reached full capacity, prompting security personnel to close the gates. Supporters filled the streets, waving flags, beating drums, and chanting “APC! APC!” as they made their way to the venue.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally welcome Diri into the APC. Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the governor’s decision, while Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma called it “a courageous and timely move.” Other notable governors present included Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (Kwara), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun).
High-profile APC figures in attendance included National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of State Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Ben Bruce, Benson Konbowei, and Benson Agadaga, alongside Nze Chidi Duru and Hajia Fatima, wife of House Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
In a 23-point address, Diri listed 15 reasons for leaving the PDP, emphasizing that the party’s internal unity and sense of purpose had been eroded, and expressing concerns about the future of Bayelsa if the state remained in the party. He highlighted his decision as being in the interest of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation, noting support from President Tinubu on key infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the Nembe-Brass Road, the 60MW gas turbine import, and the Agge Deep Seaport.
Diri stated, “I joined APC based on wide consultation and careful consideration for the welfare of the Bayelsa people. I am not a bossy type. I have come to unite us so that we can work together and produce a 99 percent result in Bayelsa come 2027.”
Following the defection, 23 of 24 Bayelsa House of Assembly members, two of three sitting senators, and all council chairmen moved with Diri into the APC.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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