PDP Loses Two Governors in 24 Hours

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered another major setback on Wednesday as Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, officially announced his resignation from the party, ending weeks of speculation about his rumored defection.

Governor Diri made the announcement during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, which was attended by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State 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 issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying his decision followed “extensive consultation with leaders and stakeholders across the state.”

“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,” Diri said.

“After extensive consultation, 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 — I am here with Mr. Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and all the members of our party (in the Assembly) who are with me on this.”

The governor expressed appreciation to his supporters for their loyalty and urged them to remain steadfast as his administration continues to build a “strong and virile Bayelsa.”

Also speaking, Speaker Abraham Ingobere confirmed that he, his deputy, and other PDP members in the House fully aligned with the governor’s decision.

“We are with His Excellency. He is our leader, and we completely align with his decision to leave the party. Out of the 24-member assembly, 21 members are with the governor on this,” Ingobere stated.

Governor Diri’s defection came barely 24 hours after another PDP governor reportedly left the party, deepening the crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition platform.