Bayelsa State Governor, Diri May Defect to APC
Governor Diri’s potential switch is expected to further weaken the PDP’s standing in the South-South geopolitical zone, following recent defections of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC.
A reliable source disclosed that Diri had informed several National Assembly members representing the state of his plans and sought their views on the matter. However, not all lawmakers are reportedly on board.
The source who prefers anonymity said “Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP. While some are supportive, others, like Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe), have expressed reservations.
“They believe there is no urgent need for such a political shift,” the source said.
The source also noted that Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Federal Constituency) is expected to follow the lead of former governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson.
Whereas, Senator Dickson is reportedly not in support of the defection but has chosen not to interfere in Diri’s decision.
Meanwhile, according to sources, Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) are said to be indifferent but likely to move with the governor if the defection occurs.
It was also gathered that Governor Diri has also reportedly instructed the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, to gauge the opinions of lawmakers on the defection.
A senior member of the Assembly confirmed that the Speaker had begun informal consultations and was expected to formally brief the House upon his return from an overseas trip.
“The chances of the governor defecting are very high. Many of us in the Assembly are ready to follow him.
“Bayelsa cannot be the only South-South state still in the PDP, especially given the internal uncertainties.
“The constant risk of our candidacies being voided by court rulings makes the APC a more stable option,” the lawmaker said.
Former Minister of Petroleum and ex-governor of Bayelsa, Chief Timipre Sylva, speaking in a telephone interview, said he was unaware of the reported plans but welcomed the idea.
“If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be happy to receive him. When I first introduced the APC in Bayelsa, many dismissed it as not being an Ijaw party. But today, it’s gaining acceptance, and his defection would be a significant boost,” Sylva said.
However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied knowledge of any of such move.
His words: “I’m not aware of any discussions the governor has had with anyone about defecting.
“Governor Diri is a transparent leader. If he makes such a decision, he will communicate it clearly. For now, I cannot confirm anything because I simply don’t have that information.”
