Political Crack in Bayelsa as Deputy Governor, Dickson’s Loyalists Resist Defection

Tension gripped Bayelsa State on Tuesday following the shocking defection of Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that has sent ripples through the state’s political landscape.

Governor Diri announced his resignation from the PDP during an expanded State Executive Council meeting attended by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, his deputy, Micheal Ogbere, and several lawmakers.

In his address, Diri stated that the decision followed “extensive consultations” across political circles, confirming that he was not leaving alone but alongside key members of the State Assembly.

“After extensive consultation, I, Governor Douye Diri, hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party. I am not resigning alone; as you can see, I am here with Mr. Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and all members of our party in the Assembly who are with me on this,” Diri declared.

However, conspicuously absent from the meeting was Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, sparking speculation of a deepening rift between the two top officials. Sources suggest Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to defect stems from his close ties to former Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, a key PDP stalwart and political benefactor to both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo.

Insiders revealed that Dickson, along with several National Assembly members loyal to him, has vowed to remain in the PDP, signaling a potential split within the Bayelsa political hierarchy.

Three Assembly members, Godless Oyinke (Sagbama 1), Wisdom Fafi (Kolokuma/Opokuma 2), and Ted Elemeforo (Yenagoa III) have also declined to defect, citing allegiance to Dickson and continued loyalty to the PDP.

Speaker Ngobere, while commending Diri’s decision, defended the move as one aimed at “protecting the political family,” claiming that the PDP had lost its strength and direction nationwide.

“You are not doing this because of greed. You have no stake in the forthcoming election. You are doing this to protect your political family,” Ngobere said. “Today, it’s clear the PDP lacks the capacity and strength to produce credible candidates in Nigeria.”

As the political dust settles, Bayelsa State now finds itself at the center of a high-stakes realignment, one that could redefine its political future ahead of the next election cycle.