Majority of Bayelsa PDP Lawmakers Endorse Diri’s Move to APC

The political landscape of Bayelsa State is set for a major shake-up following the endorsement of Governor Douye Diri’s planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the majority of lawmakers in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Currently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) holds 19 out of the 24 seats in the Assembly, with the APC controlling the remaining five. Sources reveal that Governor Diri, who has been quietly consulting key stakeholders on his defection plan, instructed the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, to gauge the position of the lawmakers regarding his move.

This latest development comes after an earlier consultation with the PDP National Assembly caucus from Bayelsa, which yielded negative feedback. The state lawmakers’ endorsement signals a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political alignment, especially for a state historically dominated by the PDP.

Tensions Emerge After Failed National Assembly Consultation

Sources disclosed that Diri’s attempts to secure the backing of PDP members in the National Assembly hit a brick wall. Leading the resistance was Hon. Fred Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, who expressed strong reservations over the governor’s plan.

Agbedi’s opposition is largely rooted in concerns that aligning with the APC would force him and other PDP stalwarts to play subordinate roles under the influence of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and a key APC figure in Bayelsa.

Despite the setback at the federal legislative level, Diri remained undeterred. He, alongside Speaker Ingobere, embarked on a trip to France, during which the governor reportedly tasked the Speaker with formally engaging Assembly members to test the waters.

Lawmakers Cite PDP Crisis, Political Survival

A closed-door meeting convened by Speaker Ingobere at his residence became the turning point. During the session, the majority of PDP lawmakers expressed overwhelming support for the governor’s planned move to the APC.

According to insiders, the lawmakers argued that the PDP’s worsening internal crisis poses a serious threat to their political futures. “The PDP in Bayelsa is no longer a safe house,” a source disclosed. “We are looking at the reality on the ground. Our future and that of the state are better secured with the APC.”

Another lawmaker explained that the decision was “timely and strategic,” citing the growing influence of the APC both at the national and state levels. They noted that remaining in a weakened PDP could jeopardize their chances in the 2027 elections.

Not All Lawmakers Are on Board

Despite the widespread support, not all lawmakers are in agreement. Three out of the 19 PDP members in the House opposed the defection plan. Two of these dissenting lawmakers are from Sagbama Local Government Area—Fred Agbedi’s political stronghold—while the third represents Kolokuma/Opokuma.

These lawmakers reportedly argued that defecting at this time would be premature and politically risky. They insisted that the PDP still has structures that could be revived if internal disputes are resolved.

“They believe that jumping ship now sends the wrong message,” a source familiar with the deliberations said. “To them, it’s about timing and principle.”

Confirmation of the Move and Next Steps

A member of the House who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the meeting and the lawmakers’ decision to align with Governor Diri’s defection. “Yes, the Speaker called us for a meeting, and it’s true. We are moving with the governor,” the lawmaker affirmed.

With the Assembly’s endorsement, the ball is now in the governor’s court to formalize his defection plans. Political observers note that if Diri makes the move official, it will mark one of the most significant realignments in Bayelsa politics since the state’s creation.

As Bayelsans await an official announcement, the political atmosphere remains tense, with both APC and PDP stakeholders closely watching how this high-stakes drama unfolds.