The APC leaders in Bayelsa State have raised concerns about Governor Douye Diri’s alleged plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In response, they have advised President Bola Tinubu to reject any overtures from Governor Diri to join the APC. Speaking to the press in Asaba on Monday, Samuel Yousuo, the chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum in Bayelsa State, along with secretary Ebigoni Gabriel, cautioned President Tinubu against forming an alliance with Governor Diri.
They emphasized that the Bayelsa APC is capable of winning elections without Governor Diri’s support if the president backs their reconciliatory efforts.
The APC leaders accused Governor Diri of working against President Tinubu’s potential victory in the 2023 presidential election and collaborating with northern PDP elements for the 2027 election. They also ridiculed Diri’s political influence within the PDP, stating that no notable political leaders from the party would defect with him to the APC.
However, Daniel Alaibrah, the chief press secretary to Governor Diri, dismissed the allegations as baseless and attributed them to mischief-makers. He questioned the credibility of those attempting to dictate the president’s alliances and dismissed their claims as unfounded.
As the political dynamics in Bayelsa State continue to evolve, the purported plans of Governor Diri to switch parties have sparked debate and speculation among political stakeholders.