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Bayelsa State Governor and Lawmakers Resign from Peoples Democratic Party

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, alongside members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, have left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following a resignation speech during the State Executive Council meeting. This move comes after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) just hours prior. Governor Diri expressed gratitude to his supporters and the people of Bayelsa for their unwavering support, stating that they will continue to build a strong and prosperous Bayelsa State and a stronger Nigeria. The exact new political party that Governor Diri and the lawmakers will be joining remains unclear.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
  • The resignation comes after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier in the day.
  • Governor Diri expressed appreciation to his supporters and the people of Bayelsa for their unwavering support, stating they will continue to build a strong and prosperous Bayelsa State and a stronger Nigeria.
  • Governor Diri and the lawmakers have not formally announced their new political party as of the time of the report.
  • This move is part of a larger trend of governors leaving the PDP for other parties ahead of the next general elections.
  • Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State were also reportedly planning to defect from the PDP to the APC.

Statistics:

  • At least four governors, including Douye Diri, Peter Mbah, Agbu Kefas, and Caleb Mutfwang, have announced their departure from the PDP in the past six months.
  • Governor Douye Diri's departure marks the third legislative body in Bayelsa to leave the PDP since 2023, following the state House of Assembly and the state's Federal House Representatives.
  • The number of governors in the PDP has decreased from 27 in 2023 to 12 as of the time of the report.
  • Governor Peter Mbah's defection to APC on the same day as Governor Diri's resignation speech, marks a significant political realignment ahead of the 2025 general elections.

Sources:

  • THEWILL Newspaper (news article, no date mentioned)
  • THEWILL Newspaper (report titled 'QUAKE IN PDP: 4 More Governors to Dump Party for APC, as Jonathan Seeks Alliance with ADC in Comeback Bid...', dated September 28, 2025)

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