Three members of Bayelsa State’s Assembly and key leaders of the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have firmly stated they will not join Governor Douye Diri in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decisive stance maintains the PDP’s presence despite the governor’s political shift.
State PDP Publicity Secretary Ebiye Ogoli confirmed the position. He emphasized the party’s continued strength in Bayelsa. Ogoli clarified that Governor Diri hasn’t pressured members to follow him.
“We are not defecting with the governor,” Ogoli stated. “Our position remains unchanged. The governor isn’t compelling anyone to move. This decision considered his final term status. Since he won’t contest again, moving with him makes little sense.”
He further affirmed the PDP’s resilience. “Our party remains strong. Reports of our defection are completely untrue,” the spokesman added.
Deputy Governor Initiates Legal Action Against Impeachment Threat
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has taken legal measures against an alleged impeachment plot. Ewhrudjakpo remains loyal to the PDP despite Governor Diri’s defection.
He filed a lawsuit at Abuja’s Federal High Court. The case names multiple officials. These include the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Speaker Abraham Ingobere.
Other respondents are Chief Judge Justice Matilda Ayemieye and Attorney-General Biriyai Dambo (SAN). The Inspector-General of Police and DSS Director-General are also listed.
Ewhrudjakpo claims lawmakers targeted him for impeachment. This follows his refusal to leave the PDP alongside Governor Diri. The legal action seeks to prevent the alleged move.
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