Daily Lens Report
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, is reportedly delaying his long-anticipated defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as negotiations continue among key party stakeholders over control of the party structure in the state.
Sources close to the talks revealed that former Governor Timipre Sylva and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, are at the centre of the discussions, which have slowed down the formal announcement of Diri’s move.
The development has intensified political tension in Bayelsa, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describing Diri’s resignation as a betrayal of the mandate under which he was elected. Meanwhile, APC leaders are said to be finalising arrangements to formally receive the governor in Yenagoa.
Although no official date has been set, senior APC figures confirmed that discussions with Diri were “well advanced,” dismissing speculations that opposition from Sylva and Lokpobiri could derail the plan.
APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, stated that the party remains open to Diri’s entry, emphasising that the APC is “a large family” that welcomes all Nigerians who share its vision and ideals.
“It is for him to decide. The APC is a large family and does not segregate. We welcome any Nigerian of age who believes in the vision of the APC, its manifesto, and the leadership of the party and the country. If anybody wants to identify with the APC, he knows the step to take,” Duru said.
Reacting to reports of friction between Sylva and Lokpobiri over Diri’s defection, Duru noted that both men remained loyal and respected party stalwarts who had contributed immensely to the APC’s growth in Bayelsa.
“These are two leaders of the party in Bayelsa, and we are pleased with them. They have contributed immeasurably to building the party in the state and remain faithful party men,” he added, stressing that reconciliation and consensus-building were normal in politics and would eventually serve the party’s collective interest.
Similarly, APC Vice Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed that Diri’s move to the ruling party was already “concluded” but delayed by internal challenges involving his deputy governor and former President Goodluck Jonathan’s political camp.
“Yes, I know that Diri is coming to the APC, but the challenges he faces with his deputy governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and, of course, Jonathan, have prevented him from making an open declaration,” Arodiogbu said.
“It would have happened about three months ago, but his deputy insisted he’s not moving with him. Diri also had to consider the former governor’s stance. But it’s conclusive that he’s coming over to us,” he added.
