Summary of Governor Douye Diri’s Statement on His Deputy’s Party Affiliation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, recently addressed speculation about his relationship with his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, amid Diri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement during a State Executive Council meeting on November 12, 2025, Diri emphasized that he would not force Ewhrudjakpo to join the APC, prioritizing persuasion and dialogue over coercion.
Key Background
- Diri’s Defection Timeline: Diri resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, and was officially welcomed into the APC on November 3, 2025.
- Deputy’s Stance: Ewhrudjakpo, who remains with the PDP, filed a court injunction at the Federal High Court in Abuja to block any impeachment attempts by the state House of Assembly over his refusal to defect. This case was later discontinued after private discussions with Diri.
- Political Context: The defection has raised tensions in Bayelsa, a PDP stronghold, but Diri has urged unity to avoid violence and focus on state development.
Governor Diri’s Key Quotes
During the meeting (with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance), Diri highlighted his philosophy of non-confrontation:
- “I do not intend to force people to join the APC but rather to appeal to them to see reason with me. I might have the power today, but not tomorrow.”
- “It is actually difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another. But we will continue to talk, and we might end up at the same party tomorrow.”
- “We must not heat up the polity. We are done with violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers and we are one. Politics should be for the development of the state and not to fight one another.”
Additional Developments
- Diri dismissed rumors of armed men entering the state as “fake news” and reaffirmed Bayelsa’s status as one of Nigeria’s safest states, directing residents to report issues to authorities rather than social media.
- The meeting also featured positive notes, including awards for Bayelsa in health insurance delivery and sports development.
This development reflects ongoing political realignments in Nigeria ahead of future elections, with Diri positioning himself as a bridge-builder. For the latest updates, check sources like Punch Newspapers or Vanguard. If you’d like more details, such as reactions from other politicians or the full video of the statement, let me know!