Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has called on new members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to deliver the party’s candidates, from the presidency to ward level, in the 2027 general elections.
Represented by his deputy, Peter Akpe, the governor issued the charge on Tuesday at Government House, Yenagoa, while receiving a fresh batch of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ruling APC.
Leading the group of defectors were Deacon James Agari, former Secretary of the state PDP; Richard Perekeme, Technical Adviser to Governor Diri on Special Duties and former Legal Adviser to the PDP; and Ebipere Napoleon, a serving councillor representing Ward Six in Sagbama Local Government Area.
Governor Diri expressed delight at their decision, describing it as a genuine gesture of solidarity with the Prosperity Government and the APC in consolidating peace, development, and progress in the state.
He emphasised that, contrary to allegations circulating in some quarters, particularly on social media, his administration does not rely on coercion or financial inducements to persuade opponents to join the APC.
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He urged the new members to unite and work towards strengthening the party in Sagbama, stating: “Let us come together and work for the progress of our state. Our first mandate is to deliver the president, Bola Tinubu, and all APC candidates at every level.
“Members must embrace the virtues of unity, peace, and tolerance, and the party leadership will duly recognise all contributions.”
The state APC senatorial vice chairman (West), Akuakwa Akuakwa, formally welcomed the defectors, describing their arrival as a positive step.
He called on party members in the West senatorial zone to work collaboratively to ensure success in next year’s elections.
Speaking earlier, delegation leader and former PDP state secretary Deacon James Agari explained that their decision to join the APC arose from the disintegration of the PDP and a desire to support the Prosperity Government under Governor Diri.
He praised the governor’s inclusive leadership and stressed the importance of continued support for the administration for the benefit of all Bayelsans.
