A group of political leaders under the Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF) has appealed to Governor Douye Diri to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the people of Bayelsa State do not want to be dragged into what they described as a political trap under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
At a press conference held in Yenagoa yesterday, the convener of the forum, Hon. Wisdom Ikuli, said the call for Diri’s defection is not about personal ambition but about securing the political and economic future of Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation.
He said the current disconnect between Bayelsa and the federal government, which is led by the APC, has left the state isolated and underrepresented at the national level.
Ikuli passed a vote of confidence on the governor for his commitment to service which has brought peace and progress to Bayelsa, adding that his administration has transformed critical sectors in the state, including education, health, sports, and infrastructure.
He warned that the state’s continued isolation as the only PDP-controlled state in the South-South may further marginalize the people in terms of federal presence and development.
“Our fathers, Chief Dappa-Biriye and Senator Okilo, urged us to always align with the centre. That advice gave us a President in 2010. But today, Ijaws are not among the first 40 Nigerians in key national positions,” Ikuli stated.
He added that the APC-led federal government has already shown goodwill by appointing several Ijaws into top offices, such as Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, and others.
Ikuli also expressed concern over internal wrangling in the PDP, alleging that plans are being made to sabotage the party’s candidates in 2027 through court cases and manipulation.
According to him, remaining in the PDP would cause more political setbacks for the state.
He further urged Governor Diri to ignore those opposing his defection, describing them as individuals only interested in preserving their personal political ambitions.
“Vast majority of Bayelsans are with you. We are planning a daily rally in Yenagoa to persuade you to join the APC and help actualize the Agge Seaport and other key projects,” he said.
The press conference ended with a solemn minute of silence in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose death was also acknowledged during the briefing.
