The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Senator Seriake Dickson have openly rejected Governor Douye Diri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Both leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP, insisting that the party remains strong in Bayelsa and continues to be a major opposition force in Nigeria.
Governor Diri had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP through his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, without giving details of his decision. However, top PDP members close to Ewhrudjakpo and Dickson said there was no justifiable reason for any party leader to dump the PDP, which they credited for their political success. Reports also revealed that Ewhrudjakpo deliberately stayed away from the State Executive Council meeting where Diri announced his defection.
Sources disclosed that the Bayelsa State House of Assembly might move to impeach Ewhrudjakpo for refusing to defect with the governor. Lawmakers who resigned alongside Diri are reportedly plotting to brand his decision as “gross misconduct.” However, allies of the deputy governor have vowed that he will remain in the PDP regardless of political pressure.
Meanwhile, Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of the state, condemned the ongoing defections to the APC, describing them as “a mockery of democracy.” Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, Dickson said Nigeria must not become a one-party state. He added that defection should not be an escape route from party challenges but an opportunity to strengthen democracy.
Dickson said, “I have always stood with the PDP. It’s sad that instead of fixing internal problems, some are abandoning the party. What we are seeing is political class suicide. The PDP gave Bayelsa and the South-South region national recognition, producing a Vice President and even a President. The APC cannot offer that.” He concluded by saying that democracy without opposition is dangerous and that he remains committed to rebuilding the PDP.
