Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate announced on Thursday.
The defection, revealed during plenary as the Senate President read out Konbowei’s letter, comes just 24 hours after Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri resigned from the PDP.
After that announcement, Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West and a staunch PDP member, reportedly stood and walked out in apparent displeasure, prompting laughter among some senators.
With Konbowei’s move, the APC now commands a majority of 74 senators in the National Assembly, strengthening its legislative influence.
Governor Diri had on Wednesday formally resigned from the PDP at the executive council chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House.
In a brief statement, he said his resignation followed extensive consultations but did not disclose the party he intends to join.
"After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party," Diri said.
According to the governor, local government chairmen would move with him, and his decision was supported by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere.
The executive council meeting was attended by 10 legislators, with Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo absent due to "official engagements."
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