Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum says Bayelsa governor APC defection is urgent and non-negotiable to align the state with national development efforts
The Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF) has called on Governor Douye Diri to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring the move as essential for the state’s development.
Also read: Godswill Akpabio Predicts Rivers, Bayelsa Defection to APC
Speaking in Yenagoa, CBSF leader and the governor’s Technical Adviser on Print Media, Mr Wisdom Ikuli, described the defection as “non-negotiable and sacrosanct.”
He urged stakeholders across political lines to support realignment with the Federal Government.
Ikuli accused elements within the PDP of working against Bayelsa and the Ijaw people, especially since 2015.
“Bayelsa is the only PDP state in the South South, and this exposes us to electoral risks in 2027,” he said.
He further claimed that internal crises and legal traps within the PDP could be used to sabotage its candidates ahead of future polls.
According to him, a shift to the APC would secure Bayelsa’s political future and unlock long-awaited developmental projects.
Ikuli noted that the region’s exclusion from top federal positions has led to political irrelevance, despite the Ijaws’ massive contribution to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
“In spite of their population and contribution, Ijaws remain marginalised due to lack of alignment with the ruling party,” he said.
Referencing historical advice from leaders like Chiefs Dappa-Biriye and Melford Okilo, Ikuli said aligning with the centre has always brought benefits.
He pointed out that past alignment with PDP at the national level led to Goodluck Jonathan’s emergence as both Vice President and President.
He applauded President Bola Tinubu’s inclusion of Ijaw sons and daughters in strategic federal roles and cited key appointments such as Sen.
Heineken Lokpobiri (Oil Minister), Chief Samuel Ogbuku (NDDC MD), and Chief Ebitimi Amgbare (NDDBA MD).
Ikuli also expressed gratitude for the federal approval of the Nembe-Brass Road Second Phase, describing it as a landmark project.
He urged Governor Diri to “show solidarity with Southern APC governors and stand with the centre.”
Also read: Southeast APC Defection Prediction Triggers Speculation Over Opposition Governors
He concluded that the future of key infrastructure like the Agge Seaport and overall economic prosperity depends on the governor’s willingness to align with the federal government.
