₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the planned defections of Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, there is disquiet in both states.

Mbah and Diri, who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have reportedly concluded plans to dump their party for the APC.

They are expected to do so on October 14
However, Vanguard gathered that the defections may be delayed due to the crisis that erupted in Enugu APC over the weekend.

In readiness for Mbah, the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC, last Thursday, dissolved Enugu State Working Committee, SWC, and set up a caretaker committee, led by Ben Nwoye.

While the Ben Nwoye committee is ready to welcome Governor Mbah, the dissolved SWC is kicking, insisting it is still in charge.

The leadership of the PDP in Enugu and Bayelsa have kept sealed lips on the issue, despite several attempts to get their views.

Division in Bayelsa

In Bayelsa, Diri’s planned defection to the APC has elicited reactions from stakeholders in the predominantly Ijaw speaking state.

While some defended the move, saying it would align the state with the APC controlled central government and as such attract more federal patronage, others dismissed it as self-serving, wondering the difference it would make in a state dominated by the PDP in the last 26 years, with the latter at the centre for 16 years.

Though a source close to the Bayelsa seat of government confirmed that all was set for the governor’s defection he, however, faulted the October 14 date being speculated in the mainstream media and the social media.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “Yes, the governor is leaving the PDP but the October 14 date reported in the media is what I cannot guarantee. He has told us he’s leaving and as a leader, ours is to follow him. He will personally make his decision public soon.”

We are ready for Diri — APC

Attempts to get officials of the state PDP executives to speak on the development proved abortive but the state chairman of the APC, Chief Dennis Otiotio, said:

“The APC Bayelsa State chapter is ready to welcome any politician that is prepared to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his reelection in 2027.

‘’We believe the President has done well for the South-South, and all the governors of the region should, therefore, rally round to support him in the 2027 presidential election. We will be happy to receive Senator Douye Diri into the APC, anytime he decides to defect.”

But another state official of the APC who spoke anonymously, said: “I cannot react to speculation. We have not been officially communicated about the said defection.”

Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide President and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has called on the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri to ensure the reconciliation of warring factions within the Bayelsa APC, particularly the camps of former Governor Timipre Sylva and Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri.

The call by Eradiri is in anticipation of Diri’s imminent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC had called on the Governor to deploy his trademark calm leadership style in prioritizing the initiative upon his defection.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Eradiri cautioned Diri against any pressure to sideline Sylva, describing him as the “foundation pillar” of the APC in Bayelsa. He stressed that excluding Sylva from the realignment talks would spell trouble for the party’s unity and prospects in the state.

“The day you join the APC, you automatically become its leader in Bayelsa. But that leadership must come with balance and respect for those who built the structure. “Sylva toiled to build this party when most people were still in the PDP. You can’t erase that history,” Eradiri stated.

He accused some party elements of attempting to pitch Lokpobiri against Sylva, insisting that Diri’s entry into the APC should instead strengthen, not divide, the party.

“Lokpobiri must also show respect for the man who laid the foundation. You, Governor Diri, must bring your peaceful nature to bear and harmonize these interests before your formal defection,”

Eradiri added. Eradiri said Bayelsa stands to gain massively from Diri’s move to the ruling party, provided the governor demonstrates strong, inclusive leadership.

He recalled urging Diri and other Ijaw leaders including former Governor Seriake Dickson to align with the federal government for the state’s development.

Eradiri argued that joining the APC would give Bayelsa better access to federal opportunities and foreign investments.

“When you’re in the ruling party, you sit at the table where national decisions are made. “If you’re not aligned, even investors you meet abroad will take their capital to APC states. But as part of the federal team, you can market Bayelsa directly alongside the President,” he noted.

Eradiri emphasized the need for Ijaw representation at the highest decision- making levels in Nigeria, lamenting their absence in recent APC strategic meetings. He said,

“We are the fourth-largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria. We can’t keep contributing to the nation’s wealth while being absent from key national discussions. “Governor Diri’s defection must correct that imbalance. We are ready to support him to succeed.”

Putindbutt:
Then Fubara is coming in too, the only thing remaining is signing of the contract and the unveiling. The rumour about Tefas of Taraba is rife. Gov Mutfwang of Jos is already warming up on the touchline. It will be 36/36 plus Abuja for Jagaban in 2027.

Mrfixitt:
Tinubu is a vagabond. Threatening governors and other politicians to join APC won't make him return in 2027

LegendHero:
Abeg who come remain for PDP?

Putindbutt:
Then Fubara is coming in too, the only thing remaining is signing of the contract and the unveiling. The rumour about Tefas of Taraba is rife. Gov Mutfwang of Jos is already warming up on the touchline. It will be 36/36 plus Abuja for Jagaban in 2027.

Mrfixitt:
Tinubu is a vagabond. Threatening governors and other politicians to join APC won't make him return in 2027

Mrfixitt:
Tinubu is a vagabond. Threatening governors and other politicians to join APC won't make him return in 2027

seunmsg:
There is no disquiet anywhere. The entire PDP structure in Enugu will collapse into APC tomorrow. All political actors in the state have been celebrating the decision since the deal was signed.

Mrfixitt:
Tinubu is a vagabond. Threatening governors and other politicians to join APC won't make him return in 2027

APCNig:
Bayelsa governor should not do that oooo. Shey he wan strip Goodluck Jonathan nakked at the market square ni?

hafeeanubasy:
.If you go down the memory lane.That seat belongs to APC's David Lyon

Gotocourt:
Gov Muftwang own go back fire 📌💯

Trendtips:
These men are shameless
They just don't care
So the central needs everyone in one party before development can reach the states