National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, on Monday, challenged the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, to deliver massive votes for the ruling party during the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda stated this during the official defection ceremony of Governor Douye Diri and some PDP members in the State House of Assembly, held at Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, the state capital.
According to Yilwatda, Bayelsa is very critical for APC, charging the governor to strengthen the party’s base across the region.
The APC chairman said, “Take this broom as a symbol of authority and unity. Sweep out the PDP and ensure all votes are swept into the APC in 2027. We must secure a strong percentage of votes in Bayelsa.
“Today, Bayelsa State is APC. Governor Diri is now the leader of our party in the state. The National Working Committee will liaise with him on all Bayelsa matters, and I will hold him responsible for the APC’s progress there.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led top APC figures to the ceremony, told the large crowds of supporters and other leaders in the party to cue behind Governor Diri for the party to make a remarkable success.
Shettima, who stressed the importance of aligning with the centre in politics, said it was beneficial for Governor Diri to defect to the APC.
Shettima cited the first and second republic when leaders from then Eastern region aligned with the party at the centre, adding that most of the important government positions were ceded to the region.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun State), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State), Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Governor Hope Uzodimma (Imo State), and Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) attended Diri’s defection ceremony.
The devlopment marks a major political shift in Bayelsa, a state that has long been a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking after receiving APC symbols, Governor Diri said his decision was reached after extensive consultations with the people of the state.
He said, “Nearly six years ago, by your kind choice and by divine providence, I was elected Governor of Bayelsa State on the PDP platform, and you honoured me with a second term. I thank Bayelsans for the privilege of serving you.
“Over time, the unity and common purpose that once sustained the party eroded. Despite our best efforts to reform and restore it, the internal dynamics made meaningful renewal increasingly difficult. That point is well documented.
“After wide consultations and careful consideration, we have today formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This was a strategic, collaborative decision. While the justification for this decision may not be immediately apparent to some, you have my assurance that it was taken in the best interests of our people and for the accelerated development of the state.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the national leadership and membership of the APC across all strata of the party for warmly welcoming us into the fold. Your hospitality has been truly remarkable, and we are delighted to be part of this great family.
“Rest assured, we will work collaboratively with existing organs to strengthen the party for the serious work ahead, leveraging our collective strengths and goodwill to drive the party’s growth and success. Together, we can achieve important goals and take our party to greater heights.
“I am grateful for the leadership and accommodation of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am convinced that the fiscal and policy restructuring underway and the renewed focus on infrastructure and service delivery offer opportunities for the collective benefit of Nigerians. I pledge to continue to work constructively with the federal government and support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“There is a biblical verse about a friend who sticks closer than a brother. President Tinubu has shown himself a steadfast supporter of the Ijaw people and a friend to Bayelsa State. Permit me to give a few concrete examples.
“Our dear Nembe-Brass Road, which was on the drawing board for over six decades and for which I had met with the previous government on several occasions, received prompt federal attention after we raised it with the President just once. A contractor was mobilised to continue with the second phase of the project, which the state had started at a significant cost – a clear demonstration of what constructive engagement can achieve.
“Again, when I flagged the excessive tax burden on importing our 60-megawatt gas turbines, the president graciously agreed a waiver to ease that pressure. These are examples of how partnership with the federal government can remove obstacles to development.
“Another clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to our state’s prosperity is the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strong endorsement of the Agge Deep Seaport project. We recognize the multiplier effect this investment will bring, including unlocking our marine resources, expanding trade and industry, creating jobs, and helping us diversify our economy away from oil and gas.
“Given these actions, it was natural for us to align with leadership that is prepared to act in Bayelsa’s best interest. Our choice is driven by outcomes — by what advances our people’s welfare,” he said.
Since the beginning of this year, main opposition party, PDP has lost four sitting governors to the ruling APC. They include Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and now Bayelsa’s Diri.
