Diri: My defection to APC’ll attract development to Bayelsa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri says his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is to attract development to the state.

Diri was officially received into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a rally in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, on Monday, November 3, 2025.

The rally was attended by prominent politicians, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); among others.

The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, presented the party’s flag to Diri, declaring him the new leader of the ruling party in Bayelsa State.

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Speaking after receiving the flag, Diri said his defection was a collective decision by the Ijaw people.

“This defection is not a Bayelsa defection. It is the Ijaw nation defecting to the APC,” he said.

Shettima commended Diri for taking a wise decision by joining the APC, with over 95 per cent of Bayelsa people.

He stated that the governor had done well for the people of Bayelsa State in all sectors by delivering the dividends of democracy, especially to the grassroots.

The vice president assured the people of the state of more commitment and support from the President Tinubu’s administration.

The Star