Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He disclosed this on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day, giving reasons behind his defection.

He said: “Somebody had to take the decision to leave the PDP, and I took it on behalf of the state. I did it in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but in time, it will become clear to everyone.”

“When we assumed office, our first priority was to complete most of the uncompleted projects we met and to initiate new ones, that alone is reason enough to thank God.”

“The peace and security we currently enjoy is another reason to be grateful. Politics should be about development, not destroying one another. This gathering today is a testament to the unity we have built in the state.”

Governor Diri formally resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025.