Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has finally addressed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor said the move was not about politics or personal gain, but a decision he made “in the best interest of the state.”

Diri spoke about the issue on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day event held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa. This was his first public comment since he resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025.

He addressed the audience by stating that leadership often involves making difficult decisions, emphasizing that his actions were taken for the benefit of Bayelsa, not for his own personal gain.

“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all,” he said.

The governor added that his administration came into office with a clear plan to complete abandoned projects and launch new ones, insisting that development and unity are at the heart of his actions.

“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God,” he noted.

Diri also highlighted improved peace and security as reasons to be grateful, stressing that politics should bring progress, not division.
“Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,” he stated.

The event was attended by political allies and leaders across party lines. Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, praised Bayelsa’s unity and urged residents to support the administration.

Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as a bridge-builder and said the state could not afford to remain in opposition when key national decisions are being made.

NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, also commended the governor, saying his leadership was a blessing to the state.
He prayed for wisdom for Diri to “continue doing his best for the state.”

The Thanksgiving service featured a sermon by Bishop Mike Okonkwo of TREM, who preached on gratitude and assured the state of divine favour as long as God remains their guide.

Other dignitaries at the programme included former top government officials, serving lawmakers, traditional leaders, and prominent personalities from within and outside Bayelsa.