The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has declared that he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he chooses to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political platform.
Governor Diri made this statement while addressing journalists in Yenagoa, amid growing speculation about political realignments and defections within the state’s political circles ahead of the next general elections.
According to the governor, political allegiance is a matter of personal conviction, not compulsion. He emphasized that while leaders may share a vision and work toward common goals, every politician reserves the right to make decisions that reflect their individual beliefs and principles.
“I have never been a politician who forces loyalty through intimidation or coercion,” Diri said. “My deputy is a mature politician and an experienced public servant. Whatever political decision he makes will be based on his conscience. I have no intention to compel him or anyone else to join any political party.”
Governor Diri also stated that his focus remains on governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Bayelsa State, rather than engaging in political distractions. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace, development, and inclusiveness, adding that political tolerance is a key part of the state’s democratic culture.
“We have built our administration on mutual respect and shared responsibility,” he continued. “Politics should not divide us or distract us from our duty to serve our people. Whether one belongs to the PDP, APC, or any other political party, what matters most is our collective desire to move Bayelsa forward.”
On the issue of recent defections across party lines in the state, Governor Diri remarked that such movements are a normal feature of Nigeria’s democratic process. He, however, maintained that stability and loyalty to the people’s mandate are more important than party switches driven by personal interest.
“In every election cycle, you will see politicians moving from one party to another. That is part of democracy. But I want to assure our people that this government remains stable and focused. We are not distracted,” he added.
The governor’s remarks come at a time when several political figures in the South-South region are reportedly reviewing their affiliations in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Senator Diri concluded by expressing confidence in the resilience of his administration and in the political maturity of Bayelsans. He urged citizens to continue supporting the government’s development agenda and to uphold unity irrespective of political differences.