Several key figures from the camp of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, made a significant political shift on Monday, as they abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Timipre Sylva.
Nunieh Odede, the state youth leader of the PDP, publicly announced his resignation from the PDP through a handwritten letter. Meanwhile, the governor’s top aides formally vacated their positions to rally behind Sylva’s campaign in anticipation of the November 11 elections.
A statement issued by Julius Bokoru, Special Adviser to Timipre Sylva on Media and Publicity, confirmed that Odede and the other defectors had a meeting with the APC flagbearer. Among the notable aides who switched their allegiance from Diri to Sylva were Abiah Oyisor, a director in the state environmental sanitation authority; three of the governor’s special advisers on special duties, namely Itu Goodluck, Timipa Ile, and Olali Suwofien; as well as Ayaye Obuma, the special representative in Yenagoa LGA.
During the meeting, Odede remarked, “We have dedicated years to the PDP and played a significant role in building the party. In light of the current situation in the state, we believe it’s time for a change. Bayelsa is facing serious challenges, and we can’t continue with the status quo. Our decision to resign from the PDP is driven by a sincere desire to rescue our beloved state from further deterioration.”
Sylva, in response, commended Odede and the others for their courage and for prioritizing the progress and development of the state over personal interests. He emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of any society, lauding their selfless choice to place the state’s welfare above personal gain.
A formal defection ceremony, attended by thousands of supporters, is expected to welcome Odede and the other defectors who have officially left the PDP and endorsed the APC and Sylva.
This series of defections has significantly weakened the PDP’s prospects of winning in Yenagoa, the state capital, and specifically in the Epie and Atissa kingdoms, where Sylva has been making political inroads. Additionally, it was noted that the APC’s deputy gubernatorial candidate, Joshua Maciver, recently received a substantial number of defectors from Sagbama LGA and the home of the incumbent deputy governor of the state.
