Dare Babalola
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has crowned Governor Douye Diri as the “King of APC in Bayelsa State”.
The party chairman said this at a rally organised for the official defection of the governor from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling party.
Yilwatda presented a broom, the symbol of the APC to the governor, urging him to sweep out the PDP and sweep in votes for President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party in 2027.
Handing it over, the party’s national chairman said, “Take this broom as a symbol of authority, as a symbol of our party, sweep out PDP. Ensure that the votes are swept in, in 2027, sweep all the votes into APC. We must have all the votes in Bayelsa. Take this as a symbol of strength and unity. Unite our party, make it stronger and bring all the votes.”
He declared, “Finally we hand this to you, you are fully decorated as the King of APC in Bayelsa State. May God give you the strength to work and deliver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.”
Governor Diri had attributed his defection to the collective interest of the state, insisting that political alignment with the Federal Government is necessary for Bayelsa’s progress.
Gov Diri stated this on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day celebration held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, marking the first time he publicly addressed his resignation from the PDP since October 15, 2025.
Speaking to a large audience comprising political leaders, clerics, traditional rulers, and top dignitaries, Diri said his move was motivated by the need to secure stronger federal support for development.
“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state, in the best interest of Bayelsa. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all.”
