The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to the breaking news that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party b, an action that has sent shockwaves across the political landscape of the state and the nation at large.
According to information shared on Facebook by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor’s resignation was not an isolated move. Governor Diri stepped down from the PDP alongside the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and all 22 PDP members of the state legislature. This mass exodus from the party marks a significant political shift in Bayelsa State and raises questions about the future alignment of the state’s political machinery.
Diri’s exit ends long-running speculation
Diri’s departure from the opposition party finally puts to rest months of speculation regarding his political intentions. Prior reports had suggested that the governor was considering a move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but until now, no official confirmation had been made. While his spokesperson did not clarify which party Diri would join next, political analysts have been quick to interpret this as a potential shift toward the APC, which would significantly alter the balance of power in Bayelsa State and could have ramifications at the national level.
GistReel reports indicate that the announcement was made on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa. The timing and manner of the announcement suggest careful planning, and it appears to have been aimed at sending a strong message both to party members and political observers across the country. The resignation of the governor along with the entire PDP legislative caucus signals a potential realignment in the political landscape of the Niger Delta region.
Wike reacts to the development
Reacting to the dramatic political shift, Nyesom Wike, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to the news and make his position clear. Wike’s post carried a tone of sarcasm and political commentary aimed at those who had previously accused him of conspiring with the APC to sabotage the PDP. He wrote:
“WIKE: Those who said I was working with the APC to sabotage the PDP are, themselves, moving out of the PDP to the same APC. Shouldn’t they be thanking me for making their dream a reality?”
The statement highlights Wike’s continued influence within the PDP and his sharp critique of political adversaries. Analysts note that while some may view his comment as mocking, it also underscores the minister’s ability to navigate complex political situations and maintain relevance in a rapidly shifting political environment. With Governor Diri and 23 lawmakers now out of the PDP, the party faces both internal challenges and questions about how it will respond to preserve its influence in Bayelsa State ahead of upcoming elections.
Political watchers are now keenly observing how this development will affect the dynamics within both the PDP and the APC, as well as the broader implications for national politics. As party members and supporters react to the news, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining the future alignment and cohesion of political forces within the state and the region.