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Majority of PDP lawmakers in Bayelsa House endorse switch
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Speaker held closed-door meetings to build consensus
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Three lawmakers, including Fred Agbedi, oppose move
At least 19 out of 24 lawmakers in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, most of them from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have reportedly endorsed Governor Douye Diri’s planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move follows a series of private consultations initiated by Speaker Abraham Ngobere, acting on Governor Diri’s directive after a reportedly unproductive meeting with Bayelsa’s National Assembly caucus.
Sources said several legislators met discreetly at the Speaker’s residence where they agreed to support the defection. A lawmaker, who requested anonymity, confirmed the development, saying: “It is no longer a secret that we are leaving PDP.”
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Despite the majority’s support, three PDP lawmakers two from Sagbama and one from Kolokuma/Opokuma have declined to endorse the switch. They argue that the timing is wrong and the decision lacks strategic foresight.
Hon. Fred Agbedi, a federal lawmaker from Sagbama/Ekeremor, also expressed strong reservations. He warned that the defection might empower Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the APC’s top figure in Bayelsa, and weaken the PDP’s local influence.
While officials have publicly denied the existence of any endorsement meeting, sources maintain that informal consultations have continued, and Governor Diri’s team is confident the defection plan will proceed.
It was gathered that Diri’s possible defection could shift the balance of power in Bayelsa and influence future realignments across the Niger Delta, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
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Stakeholders in the state are split. Some believe aligning with the ruling APC could attract more federal attention and resources, while others view it as a betrayal of voter trust and party loyalty.
The governor is expected to formally notify the PDP national secretariat and INEC, after which the State Assembly may take legislative action on party seat reassignments.
