President Bola Tinubu has officially welcomed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his defection as a sign of unity and progress for Nigeria’s democracy.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Monday during a grand reception held at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Tinubu commended Diri’s leadership and developmental strides, saying that his decision to join the APC reflected his commitment to the collective good rather than partisan divisions.
"The All Progressives Congress is a party of those who believe that progress can only be guaranteed when we stand together. Governor Douye Diri, your story mirrors that of your people. Politics is about development, not noise or opposition. We are proud of you, you have made the right decision."
The President lauded Diri’s efforts in expanding infrastructure and fostering peace across Bayelsa, saying his governance style exemplifies empathy and inclusion.
"You have led with calm dignity and deep commitment to development and peace. You have expanded roads to remote communities, built bridges where there were barriers, and brought light where there was darkness. This is what it means to govern with empathy," Tinubu said.
Describing the defection as "a homecoming to the progressive family," the President assured the Bayelsa governor of the APC’s full support.
"You are now part of a family that thinks and acts together. We welcome you and will stand by you as the champion you have always been."
APC National Chairman, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, also addressed the gathering, urging Diri to consolidate the party’s influence in Bayelsa ahead of the 2027 elections.
"Bayelsa is a strategic state for our party. We trust you to deepen our base and deliver resounding victory for President Tinubu in 2027," he said.
The event drew a massive turnout of APC supporters who thronged the stadium waving party flags and chanting solidarity songs.
Among dignitaries present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno.
Diri formally resigned from the PDP on 15 October 2025 after what he described as "extensive consultations," and was officially welcomed to the APC by its governors on 3 November 2025.
His move, endorsed by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly led by Speaker Abraham Ngobere, adds to a growing list of PDP governors who have crossed over to the ruling party.
So far this year, four PDP governors, Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), have defected to the APC amid the opposition party’s lingering internal crises.
With Diri’s entry, the APC now controls a wider swath of the South-South geopolitical zone.
READ ALSO: Diri Hails Tinubu’s Support for Bayelsa, Calls for Unity
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