Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary Yekini Nabena contends that Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri’s planned defection will fall short of expectations. Nabena asserts the governor intends to formally join the ruling party on Monday.
The APC chieftain alleges Governor Diri is actively working to undermine the party’s existing Bayelsa leadership structure before crossing party lines. Nabena specifically links the governor’s camp to recent arrest rumors involving Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) MD Samuel Ogbuku.
According to Nabena, these allegations form part of a calculated strategy. The aim is to tarnish Ogbuku’s reputation and destabilize APC’s current hierarchy in Bayelsa State. This alleged maneuver precedes Diri’s anticipated defection.
Nabena predicts the governor will join the APC “empty-handed.” This assessment stems from most key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures in Bayelsa reportedly refusing to defect alongside him. The situation contrasts sharply with recent political shifts in Delta and Enugu states.
The APC stalwart further revealed Diri’s deputy governor isn’t joining the crossover. Nabena also claims state assembly members have rejected the move. Approximately 90% of National Assembly members from Bayelsa oppose the governor’s defection plans.
Nabena openly questioned Diri’s political influence. He noted the governor lacks control even within his local constituency. This raises doubts about what value he brings to the APC.
“We’re not opposing the governor’s right to join any party in a democracy. What we reject is his attempt to destroy APC members and leadership in Bayelsa simply to gain total party control.”
Nabena concluded by noting several prominent Bayelsa PDP figures remain aligned with Ogbuku. He suggested they’re more likely to embrace President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the NDDC chief when timing permits.
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