Diri Faces Impeachment Threats Over Alleged Plan to Defect to APC

By Our Reporter
Fresh political tension has gripped Bayelsa State amid reports that Governor Douye Diri is on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which sources say could happen as early as this week, has sparked talk of impeachment among some lawmakers opposed to the governor’s plans.

According to multiple sources in Yenagoa, Diri’s defection to the APC has been in the works for several months, but was delayed by internal disagreements within the state’s APC structure, particularly between factions loyal to former Governor and ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva. With those rifts now reportedly easing, the APC’s National Working Committee, led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has allegedly concluded arrangements to formally receive the Bayelsa governor into the party.

Insiders reveal that Diri has already held consultations with key political stakeholders, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and respected Bayelsa elders, before arriving at his decision. It is also believed that he enjoys the support of a significant number of members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, which could shield him from immediate political backlash.

However, opposition to Diri’s defection plan is mounting among members of the National Assembly from the state, including his predecessor and one-time political ally, Senator Seriake Dickson. Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, is said to be leading efforts to dissuade the governor from leaving the PDP.

Alongside Dickson, other lawmakers opposed to the move include Senator Benson Agadaga and three members of the House of Representatives — Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Maria Ebikake (Nembe/Brass), and Mietama Obordor (Ogbia). They argue that there is no compelling reason for Diri to abandon the PDP, especially as the party still maintains strong grassroots support in the state.

Sources close to the governor insist, however, that Diri has made up his mind to join the ruling party, viewing the move as a strategic step to enhance Bayelsa’s access to federal resources and consolidate his political future.

But those opposed to the plan are not backing down. Credible reports indicate that some political forces within the PDP are already plotting to initiate impeachment proceedings should Diri defect to the APC. The threat, sources say, is tied to concerns that his defection could undermine ongoing efforts by some party leaders — including former President Jonathan — to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If Governor Diri goes ahead to decamp to the APC at this time, when Jonathan is consulting for 2027, we will ensure he is impeached by the House of Assembly members,” a former federal lawmaker from Bayelsa reportedly said. “We have the numbers, and we will make it happen.”

The unfolding political drama marks a dramatic turn for Diri, who came to power in February 2020 under controversial circumstances. His emergence followed a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the victory of the APC candidate, David Lyon, in the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election. The apex court held that Lyon’s running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, had submitted false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), leading to the annulment of their victory.

Following the ruling, INEC declared Diri, the PDP candidate, as the duly elected governor, citing his lawful votes and spread across the state. He was subsequently sworn in on February 14, 2020, replacing Seriake Dickson, who had completed his two-term tenure.

In his inaugural speech at the time, Diri had hailed the judiciary for upholding justice, describing his emergence as “a lesson in reconciliation and love.” Five years later, however, his political journey appears to be taking a new turn, one that could either strengthen his hand within national politics or trigger a storm that may cut short his tenure.

As Bayelsa braces for what could be a defining week, political observers say all eyes are now on Governor Diri, and on how he navigates the delicate balance between personal ambition, party loyalty, and the threat of impeachment hanging over his administration.