Eight Bayelsa LG Chairmen Quit PDP, Pledge Loyalty to Governor Diri

Eight local government chairmen in Bayelsa State have announced their resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared their loyalty to Governor Douye Diri, following his decision to quit the party on Wednesday.

The chairmen made the announcement during a press briefing held at the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital. Their defection marks another wave of political realignment in the state, coming less than 24 hours after Diri formally resigned from the PDP alongside several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Governor Diri, who disclosed his exit during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Yenagoa, said his decision followed “obvious reasons” and extensive consultations with key stakeholders. He thanked party members and supporters for their steadfastness, urging them to stand firm as he works to strengthen the state’s political structure.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Lelei Isaac, said the crisis within the PDP at the national level influenced their decision to leave.

He said, “We were elected on the platform of the PDP, but as loyal members of this administration, we have decided to follow our leader, Governor Douye Diri, in his political direction. We hereby resign our membership of the Peoples Democratic Party and affirm our continued support for the governor.”

Those present at the briefing included the Chairmen of Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa, Ekeremor, Ogbia, and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas. The Chairmen of Sagbama and Brass were, however, absent at the event.

The latest resignations come amid growing speculation that Governor Diri may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), although he has not yet disclosed his next political move.

The development adds to the ongoing shake-up in Bayelsa politics, signaling a possible shift in the state’s political alignment ahead of future elections.