Shock in Bayelsa as Governor Douye Diri Defects from PDP to APC with 23 Lawmakers

By Ochogwu Sunday | October 15, 2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a political twist that has stunned observers across Nigeria.

According to a report by Arise TV, Governor Diri’s defection comes alongside 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly who have also switched allegiance to the APC.

The move, coming less than 24 hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s defection to the ruling party, signals what analysts describe as a growing wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While details of the Bayelsa governor’s decision remain sketchy, sources indicate that Diri and the lawmakers are preparing to make a formal declaration in the coming days.

The development marks a significant blow to the PDP, which has struggled to hold on to its strongholds amid a series of high-profile defections across the country.

Political observers say Diri’s move could reshape the balance of power in the Niger Delta region and boost the APC’s influence as it consolidates control ahead of the next election cycle.