Bayelsa Group Urges Diri to Join APC, Warns of PDP’s ‘Hijack’ and 2027 Traps
A group of stakeholders led by Wisdom Ikuli , the Technical Adviser on Media to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri , has called on the governor to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) .
Ikuli, who also convenered the Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF) , described the move as “sacrosanct and inevitable,” saying it will help align Bayelsa with the federal government and unlock more development projects for the state.
“We must align with the centre to bring progress to Bayelsa and jobs to our people,” he said during a press briefing in Yenagoa .
“Ijaw Nation Must Align With Centre” – Ikuli Appeals to Diri
Ikuli urged Governor Diri to heed the advice of Ijaw elders like Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Chief Melford Okilo , who once encouraged the Ijaw Nation to stay close to the ruling government to attract development.
“Bayelsa was once aligned with the PDP at the federal level. That brought us the Vice President and later the President—Goodluck Jonathan.”
But today, Ikuli said the Ijaw people are underrepresented in national appointments and losing economic influence , despite contributing over 65% of the country’s oil and gas revenue .
He warned that the PDP in Bayelsa is now hijacked by a few individuals , who are setting traps for 2027.
“There are plans to use court cases and party crises to disqualify PDP candidates in Bayelsa. If we stay in PDP, we risk political marginalization.”
APC Is the Future, Not PDP – Stakeholders Say
The group said Bayelsa is now the only South-South state still under PDP , while others—like Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom —have moved to APC.
“It’s time for Bayelsa to join the mainstream,” Ikuli said.
He added that under APC, the Agge Seaport and other stalled federal projects will likely be revived, bringing economic transformation to the state.
“The Agge Seaport alone will change everything for Bayelsa.”
Ikuli also urged the governor to ignore internal PDP figures who oppose the move, saying:
“Most of them only care about personal power—not the people’s progress.”
Group To Begin Daily Street Rallies in Yenagoa
The stakeholders said they will begin daily rallies in Yenagoa to push for the governor’s defection.
“We believe the majority of Bayelsans support this move,” Ikuli added.
He said the group’s actions are not about betrayal, but about strategic alignment with the government at the centre to ensure:
- More federal projects
- Better infrastructure
- Economic growth
- Job creation
Ikuli also praised Diri for his development strides since taking office.
“You have done well, and we believe you can do even better under APC.”
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