Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained that his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) was taken in the best interest of the state.

Diri, who is expected to formally declare for the APC today in Yenagoa alongside members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, two serving senators and other political leaders, said the move was necessary to align Bayelsa with the ruling party at the centre for the sake of development.

Speaking during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, the governor said it was the first time he would speak publicly about his defection since resigning from the PDP on October 15, 2025.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dan Alabrah, Diri noted that though some people might not immediately understand his decision, time would vindicate him.

?Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,? he said.

The governor said his administration had, since inception, prioritised completing inherited projects and initiating new ones to drive development across the state.

?When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God. The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God,? he added.

Diri emphasised that politics should be a platform for development rather than division, urging Bayelsans to uphold peace and unity for the growth of the state.

?Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,? he said.

Also speaking at the event, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, said Bayelsa?s strength lie in the unity of its people, and urged continued support for Diri?s administration.

The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as a unifier, saying the governor?s decision to join the APC was timely as the state could no longer afford to remain in opposition when crucial developmental decisions were being taken at the national level.

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, also commended Diri?s leadership and prayed for God?s wisdom to guide him in his new political journey.

Delivering a sermon titled ?Reasons Why We Should Thank God?, General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, stressed the importance of gratitude, noting that God never abandons His children in times of need.

Several dignitaries, including Senators Konbowei Benson, Benson Agadaga, and Sunday Katung; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; former Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); and President of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, lauded Diri?s developmental strides and called for continued unity in Bayelsa.

Others in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; the governor?s wives, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; and former governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.

Popular gospel artiste, Asu Ekiye, led the congregation in worship at the colourful thanksgiving ceremony, which drew clerics, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and top government officials (Nigerian Tribune)

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