Bayelsa Governor Diri and 23 Lawmakers Quit PDP: What’s Happening?
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and 23 state lawmakers resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, likely joining the APC.
Bayelsa Governor Diri and 23 Lawmakers Quit PDP: What’s Happening?
On October 15, 2025, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri shocked everyone by announcing his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa. He wasn’t alone 23 out of 24 state lawmakers, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere and Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, also left the PDP. This is a big deal for Bayelsa, a state that’s been a PDP stronghold since Nigeria’s democracy returned in 1999. Here’s the simple breakdown of what happened, why it matters, and what’s next, based on trusted sources.
What Happened?
Diri, who’s been governor since 2020 and won re-election in 2023, told the crowd he was leaving the PDP after “extensive consultation.” He didn’t say where he’s going next, but sources like Channels TV and Daily Post report he’s likely joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party led by President Bola Tinubu. The lawmakers, who make up most of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, backed him up. Ngobere said the PDP can’t win the presidency in 2027, so they’re jumping ship. Only one lawmaker, reportedly loyal to former Governor Seriake Dickson, stayed with the PDP. Diri also hinted that local government chairmen might follow him soon.
This comes just a day after Enugu Governor Peter Mbah also ditched the PDP for the APC on October 14, 2025, saying the party was too divided. Now, the PDP has only eight governors left, with Rivers’ Siminalayi Fubara as the last one in the South-South region.
Why Did They Leave?
Diri and his allies are frustrated with the PDP. The party’s been fighting itself since losing the 2023 presidential election to Tinubu. Leadership squabbles, like suspending allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have weakened it. In Bayelsa, tensions boiled over when Diri sacked 27 aides in May 2025 for attending a pro-Tinubu rally. Many believe Diri sees the APC as a better bet for federal support to fix roads, schools, and flood issues in Bayelsa, which produces over 20% of Nigeria’s oil.
What Does This Mean?
For the APC, this is a huge win. Controlling Bayelsa, a key oil state, strengthens Tinubu’s grip on the Niger Delta. It could mean more money for projects like the East-West Road, which has been stalled for years. With 23 lawmakers on board, Diri can pass budgets easily if he joins the APC, as expected.
For the PDP, it’s a disaster. Losing two governors in two days leaves the party weak, especially in the South-South, where it once ruled supreme. The party’s now scrambling to stop more defections, with insiders hinting at emergency meetings. If more leaders leave, the PDP could struggle to challenge the APC in 2027.
For Bayelsans, opinions are split. Some hope the APC’s influence brings jobs and better roads. Others worry it’s just politicians chasing power, not progress. Floods, oil spills, and youth unemployment remain big problems, and people want real solutions, not party games.
What’s Next?
Diri’s likely to join the APC soon, with a formal announcement expected any day. The lawmakers will probably follow, giving the APC near-total control of Bayelsa’s government. This could spark more defections across Nigeria, as politicians pick sides before 2027. The PDP needs a miracle to rebuild, maybe a new leader or a coalition with parties like Labour or NNPP.
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