PDP Meltdown in Bayelsa: Diri Abandons Jonathan’s Legacy, Dickson Isolated as APC Takes South-South — A New Era of Political Betrayal?
- Primarald Limited
- Oct 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Overview of the Political Uproar
Bayelsa State witnessed a political earthquake as Governor Douye Diri officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, 2025, marking yet another major defection that intensifies Nigeria’s South-South political realignment . His departure follows that of Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, both signaling what many perceive as a crumbling of the PDP stronghold in the region.
APC Welcomes Diri’s Move
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, quickly lauded Diri’s decision, calling it “a bold, patriotic and strategic step toward Bayelsa’s greater integration with federal development efforts.” He urged him to complete his defection by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) fully, citing synergy with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Likewise, Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, celebrated the wave of defections as vindication for his political stance, asserting that “the President’s leadership has made governors leave the opposition voluntarily” .
Reactions from PDP Loyalists
In stark contrast, Senator Seriake Dickson, who mentored and handed over power to Diri, condemned the move as “ridiculous” and warned that Nigeria was veering toward a one-party system. He confirmed that Diri had consulted him before resigning but stated there was “no compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect.” Dickson anchored his criticism on the belief that opposition is essential to democracy .
Former Anambra governor Peter Obi echoed similar sentiments, stressing that no political bloc can “capture” an entire region through defections, insisting that voters—not governors—determine electoral outcomes .
PDP’s Struggle for Stability
Bayelsa’s PDP Chairman Solomon Agwana admitted that the state chapter was still unsure of Diri’s motives, saying “the reasons remain unclear.” The local party leadership has opted against legal action, choosing instead to “wait to see where he is heading.” Meanwhile, the PDP’s control nationwide further dwindled to just eight states, allowing the APC to tighten its grip across the federation .
Implications for the South-South
Diri’s resignation leaves Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State as the lone PDP governor in the entire South-South, a region once considered the party’s political fortress. Analysts warn that this shift could not only reshape the Bayelsa political calculus but also signal the PDP’s marginalisation in one of its most vital electoral territories .
Political Implications & Possible Scenarios:
Collapse of PDP’s South-South stronghold: With Diri’s exit, the region loses its last PDP bastion apart from Rivers, potentially ending decades of PDP dominance led by figures like former President Jonathan and Dickson.
Fractured leadership for Dickson: Dickson, once kingmaker and mentor, is now isolated, undermining his status as Bayelsa’s political leader. His criticisms appear powerless, signaling a loss of influence.
Rise of APC and policy realignment: Diri’s move opens the door for APC’s agenda, aligning Bayelsa more closely with Tinubu’s federal policies and marginalizing opposition voices.
One-party system fears: As Dickson warns, South-South could become a one-party APC zone, threatening democratic plurality.
Pressure on Douye Diri: Diri faces accusations of betraying the region’s PDP legacy for possible political gain, risking alienation from erstwhile allies.
Broader realignment: The move may encourage further defections, causing instability within PDP ranks nationally, possibly sparking lawsuits, protests, or even alliances with minor parties.
This political drama, ripe with betrayal, ambition, and realignment, is fueling intense speculation that Diri will soon formally declare for the APC, cementing a dramatic transformation in Bayelsa’s—and indeed the South-South’s—political landscape.
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