Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the Peoples Democratic Party as a “sinking ship.” The defection ceremony, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was attended by prominent political figures and state governors. Governor Diri’s move, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, makes him the fourth governor from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress this year. Explaining his decision, Diri expressed concern about Bayelsa’s political future under what he described as a declining party, emphasizing that his action represents an “Ijaw realignment” rather than a mere change of political affiliation. He also noted that the current administration is addressing several long-standing infrastructural demands of the Ijaw people. Diri’s defection has received support from fellow South-South governors who called for greater unity in regional governance. Vice President Shettima commended Diri’s decision as a commitment to development over partisanship, saying it aligns Bayelsa State with a forward-looking vision for progress. Governor Diri concluded by reaffirming that his decision is guided by a belief in inclusive politics that advances the well-being of his people.