Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has explained that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, the governor said his defection was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to position Bayelsa for greater development and political relevance at the national level.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state,” Diri said. “I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
This marks his first public comment since his resignation from the PDP on 15 October 2025.
The governor noted that politics should be a tool for development and unity, not division, urging Bayelsans to support his administration’s efforts to strengthen peace and deliver progress.
“Politics is for development and not to kill your brother,” he stated. “The gathering here today is a testimony of the unity in our state. When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to complete most of the uncompleted projects and introduce new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.”
Diri added that the prevailing peace and security across the state were further reasons to be grateful.
The thanksgiving service, which attracted prominent political figures across party lines, reflected a rare show of unity in the state.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, commended Bayelsans for standing behind Governor Diri, saying the state’s progress depended on its unity.
“The strength of Bayelsa’s development lies in the unity of its people,” Oborevwori said. “I urge you to remain united and supportive of this administration.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as “a unifier” and welcomed his decision to join the APC, saying it would ensure Bayelsa was no longer sidelined in national development.
“The governor’s move is timely,” Lokpobiri said. “Bayelsa cannot continue to be in opposition when major developmental decisions are being made at the centre.”
Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, also hailed Diri’s leadership, describing him as “a godsend to the state” and prayed for God’s wisdom to guide him further.
Delivering a sermon titled “Reasons Why We Should Thank God,” the General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, emphasised the importance of gratitude, saying, “As long as you make God your Alpha and Omega, victory and blessings are guaranteed.”
