All eight local government chairmen in Bayelsa State have announced their resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared their full support for Governor Douye Diri after he formally left the party.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday evening at the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital.
KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Douye Diri had resigned from the PDP along with members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, fueling speculation that he might be preparing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri said his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and leaders across the state.
He made the announcement during an expanded State Executive Council meeting attended by key government officials, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other lawmakers.
The governor thanked his supporters for their loyalty and urged them to remain steadfast as his administration continues to focus on building a stronger and more united Bayelsa.
However, he made no mention of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent from the meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the local government chairmen, the Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Lelei Isaac, said their decision to leave the PDP was influenced by the ongoing crisis within the party at the national level.
He said, “We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to serve the people for the past one and a half years. We were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and today, we are aware that our leader, the Governor of Bayelsa State, has formally resigned his membership of the party.
“As chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other appointees of the local government areas, we support the decision of our governor, we stand with him, and consequently, we hereby resign our membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Those present at the briefing included the Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area, David Alagoa; Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Target Segibo; Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bulodisiye Ndiwari; Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Isaac Onniye; Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Golden Jeremiah; and Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Lelei Isaac.
However, the Chairmen of Sagbama Local Government Area, Alice Tangi, and Brass Local Government Area, Lucky Febo, were not in attendance.
Duoye Diri’s defection came 24 hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also dumped the PDP for the APC.
