Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He made the announcement on Wednesday, addressing growing rumors about his political future.
Many believe Diri plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he has not yet revealed which party he and his supporters will join.
Diri said he left the PDP for “obvious reasons,” but he did not explain the issues that led to his decision.
Sources suggest his resignation may be tied to the PDP’s handling of the Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara suspension crisis.
Speculation also surrounds the whereabouts of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent from the meeting. Diri did not comment on his deputy’s absence during the announcement.
According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor made the declaration during an expanded State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa.
The meeting included Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, APGA Minority Leader Edward Brigidi, and seven other lawmakers.
The statement confirmed that after wide consultations with state leaders, Diri decided to leave the PDP.
Diri thanked his supporters for their loyalty. He urged them to continue backing his vision of building a “strong and dynamic Bayelsa.”
“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, 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.”
