Bayelsa to Gain More Federal Projects if Diri Joins APC – South-South Commission Director

Bayelsa State stands to benefit from increased federal projects if Governor Douye Diri joins the All Progressives Congress (APC), Preye Aganaba, executive director of social and human capital development at the South-South Development Commission has said.

Speculation about Diri’s next political move has intensified following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with strong indications that he and his supporters may soon defect to the ruling party.

Senator Benson Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central and a known ally of the governor, formally resigned from the PDP on Thursday and joined the APC.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Bayelsa Governor Diri Resigns From PDP

Konbowei conveyed his decision in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read during Thursday’s plenary session.

Reacting to the development, Aganaba, a founding chieftain of the APC in Bayelsa, stated that “the APC is ready to welcome the governor and work with him to advance the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.”

He made the comments while speaking on Rhythm 94.7 FM in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Aganaba noted that Diri’s reported resignation “did not come as a surprise given the ongoing reforms of the Tinubu administration,” adding: “The kind of impactful leadership and bold reforms led by President Bola Tinubu have unlocked enormous resources for governors to carry out development in their various states. It is only natural for those of them who are people-oriented to align with the president.”

He further stated that the national leadership of the APC would determine “how and when the governor will be formally received into the party,” with the state chapter following their guidance.

On the topic of infrastructure, the APC chieftain expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among political leaders would attract more federal projects to Bayelsa.

He also dismissed rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan might contest the 2027 elections, describing him as “a respected statesman best suited for mentoring younger leaders.”