WE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO RETAIN BAYELSA WITH OR WITHOUT DIRI — PDP FIRES BACK AT DEFECTION PLOTS


Yenagoa, Nigeria — The Caretaker State Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has firmly reacted to speculations and public commentary suggesting a possible defection of Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating unequivocally that the party remains strong, united, and fully capable of retaining the state with or without him.


In a statement signed by Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, Media Assistant to the Acting State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, the party described the ongoing narrative around Diri’s defection as “political theatrics” that do not warrant serious attention but must be addressed in the interest of public clarity.


Reacting to claims that the PDP is now populated by individuals who once conspired against the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the statement condemned the assertion as “a mischievous and fraudulent distortion of history.” According to the party, “those who actively undermined and obstructed the continuation of the Jonathan presidency are today firmly rooted in the APC and ADC respectively.”


The party emphasized its historical significance, declaring: “The PDP has remained the most consistent political platform that has defended and projected the interest of the Ijaw Nation. It is the party that gave Nigeria its first Ijaw Vice President and President in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; a record unmatched by any other political party.”


Furthermore, the party reminded the public that Governor Diri himself had benefited immensely from the PDP platform, which entrusted him with several positions of responsibility culminating in his election and re-election as governor. “It was the strength of the PDP and the resolve of the people under the leadership of Governor Seriake Dickson that secured a resounding victory in 2015, even when the party was in the opposition. That same structure produced Governor Diri in 2019 and again in 2023,” the statement noted.


The party dismissed any perceived setback from a potential defection by Diri, asserting: “If anyone chooses to leave the party, we wish them well. But let it be clear; they will not be missed as the Party under the firm leadership of George Turnah, MON has the capacity to retain the State in 2027 and in the future.”


The statement further pointed to earlier signs that Governor Diri may have mentally moved on from the PDP long before his re-election. “That situation was so evident at his second term inauguration at the sports complex when he instructed his protocol team to deny PDP National Working Committee, NWC members any recognition—not even a seat for the National leaders of the Party,” it said, describing it as a betrayal of the party that solely printed and handed him the only Governorship nomination and expression of interest forms for the 2023 election.


“Diri should be bold enough to defect if he wants to and not continue to play mind games on the good people of Bayelsa State,” the party stated, adding that PDP stakeholders across Bayelsa have vehemently rejected any attempt to drag them into what it called “a personal political agenda.”


The PDP’s message was clear: the party stands resolute in its mission, with strong grassroots support and a united front poised to retain power in future elections, regardless of any individual’s exit.


Kelsthel.ng News Desk

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