Bayelsa State was thrown into a political frenzy on November 3 as Governor Douye Diri formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in what party leaders described as “a homecoming long overdue.”
The ceremony, held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, turned Yenagoa into a carnival ground as thousands of APC supporters flooded the streets despite hours of persistent drizzle.
By 10 a.m., the 5,000-capacity stadium had overflowed, forcing security personnel to shut the gates to prevent a stampede. Chants of “APC! APC!” filled the air as drums thundered, flags waved, and supporters danced through the streets leading to the venue.
Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formally receive Diri into the APC.
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, welcomed the governor and praised his move. Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, described the defection as “a courageous and progressive decision taken at the right time”.
Other notable governors in attendance included Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori(Delta), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), Peter Mbah(Enugu), Usman Ododo(Kogi), Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq(Kwara), Monday Okpebholo(Edo) and Dapo Abiodun(Ogun).
There were also the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of State Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ben Bruce, Senator Benson Konbowei; Senator Benson Agadaga; Nze Chidi Duru; and Hajia Fatima, wife of House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass.
