Former House of Representatives member and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Bayelsa State, Israel Sunny-Goli, has voiced his expectation that Governor Douye Diri will join the ruling party following his recent departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Although Governor Diri has not yet publicly confirmed his next political platform, strong indications suggest he may be considering a switch to the APC. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Sunny-Goli emphasized that Diri’s leadership qualities and developmental track record make him a natural fit for the APC.
Sunny-Goli stated, “We see a leader who is competent, capable, sincere, and ready to take the state to the next level. That is why those of us in the APC are praying and hoping that, when he finally tells the world which party he’s going to, it will be the APC.”
The former lawmaker also disclosed that, despite his affiliation with the APC, he had voted for Governor Diri in the last gubernatorial election. He cited the governor’s impressive projects and development initiatives across Bayelsa State as the reason for his support.
Sunny-Goli dismissed the possibility of Diri joining smaller opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress or the Labour Party, emphasizing that these parties lack the national structure and stability that the APC offers. He argued, “Only the APC has the national structure and stability to support the governor’s vision for Bayelsa.”
In his resignation announcement, Governor Diri made it clear that his decision was not made in isolation. He was accompanied by key members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Deputy Speaker Michael Ogbere, and APGA minority leader Edward Brigidi, along with seven other lawmakers.
Governor Diri explained that his choice followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders across the state. He stated, “Today, I wish to address a matter that has been the subject of speculation and debate across party lines in Bayelsa State and beyond. We allowed the speculations, but while it lasted, we were also doing our consultation. I am not resigning alone, as you can see. I am here with Mr Speaker, Deputy Speaker and all the members of our party in the Assembly who are with me on this.”
The governor’s move has already elicited reactions from other political parties. The PDP in Bayelsa, in a statement, wished the governor well in his future endeavors, indicating a relatively amicable parting of ways.
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