Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has dismissed speculation about his alleged plan to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he remains committed to his party.
Speaking in his hometown of Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, during a thank-you visit by Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei, member representing Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency, and other political stakeholders, Diri said any decision about his political future would be made in consultation with the people of Bayelsa.
“If the need ever arises to make such a political move, it would be based on the collective interest of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation, not on personal considerations,” the governor stated.
The rumour followed recent remarks by Minister of Works, David Umahi, who publicly praised Diri at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road flag-off.
Some interpreted the gesture as a signal of the governor’s possible defection.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri explained that his attendance at the ceremony was to acknowledge Bayelsa’s inclusion in the coastal road project, which he views as a vital infrastructure development for the Niger Delta region.
He also clarified concerns raised at the event regarding a displayed project map that excluded Bayelsa and Edo States.
According to him, both the minister and contractors confirmed the omission was an oversight and assured that it would be corrected.
“People misunderstood Umahi’s comments and assumed I was crossing over. That was not the case,” Diri explained, urging citizens to ignore rumours and focus on progress and unity.
He commended the people of Southern Ijaw for their ongoing support and called on political leaders to promote integrity and responsible governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
