JUST IN: Bayelsa gov Diri resigns from PDP

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Diri, who announced this on Wednesday at the exco chamber in the Bayelsa State Government House.

He said his decision was for an obvious reason, but did not state the reason or the political party to which he will be moving.

The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was absent, but the govenor said all those not present at the meeting were on official assignments.

He also stated that the chairmen of all the local government areas will move with him.

His decision was backed by 23 members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker,  Abraham Ngobere.

The meeting was attended by 10 members of the House of Assembly.

The 24-member House of Assembly has 20 PDP lawmakers, three All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, and one member from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The Speaker said the PDP does not have the ability to present a presidential candidate and win the 2027 election.

Defections

Diri’s defection came 24 hours after his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).