In a significant political development, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, has officially resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during a press briefing held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa.
Diri, who has long been regarded as one of the PDP’s strongholds in the South-South region, did not immediately disclose which political party he intends to join. However, his decision was met with strong backing from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, where 23 out of the total 24 lawmakers, including the Speaker expressed their full support for the governor’s move.
Political analysts see this as a major blow to the PDP, especially considering the fact that Diri has been a loyal member of the party and has played key roles in its affairs both within the state and nationally.
The defection comes less than 24 hours after a similar move by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who also announced his departure from the PDP in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The near-simultaneous exits of two sitting governors from the opposition party have sparked speculation about a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Diri refrained from commenting on his next political destination, sources within his inner circle suggest that consultations have been ongoing for several weeks, and a formal announcement may soon follow.
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The PDP is yet to issue an official statement regarding Diri’s defection, but insiders say the party is holding emergency meetings to assess the situation and strategize on how to prevent further high-profile defections.
It is believed that the back-to-back exits of prominent governors could potentially weaken the PDP’s influence in the South-East and South-South regions, where the party has traditionally enjoyed strong support.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the political atmosphere in Bayelsa and beyond continues to evolve.
