From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, rested speculations around his rumoured defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he officially announced his resignation from the party for what he described as “obvious reasons.”
Governor Diri made the announcement during an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, which had in attendance Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, his deputy, Michael Ogbere, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) minority leader, Edward Brigidi and seven other lawmakers.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that he took the decision after extensive consultation with leaders of the state.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, who he said have stood firmly with him and his government, and urged them to continue as he builds a strong and virile Bayelsa.
His words: “Today, I wish to address a matter that has been the subject of speculation and debate across party lines in Bayelsa State and beyond. We allowed the speculations. But while it lasted, we were also doing our consultation.
“After extensive consultation, today the 15th day of October 2025, I wish to formally notify you that in keeping with the extant protocols, I Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“I am not resigning alone as you can see. I am here with Mr. Speaker, Deputy Speaker and all the members of our party (in the Assembly) who are with me on this.
“So, today, I have formally resigned from the PDP for very obvious reasons.”
Lending his voice, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, said he, his deputy, other PDP, APGA and APC members of the assembly completely align with the governor’s decision to leave the party.
Ingobere, who referred to the governor as the leader of the political structure of the state, said he was not alone in his decision as he had the backing of the overwhelming majority of 21 of the 24-member assembly.
He commended the governor for taking the decision at this time.
