Eradiri Urges Gov Diri to Unite APC Before Defection

A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has expressed support for Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Eradiri, who is also a chieftain of the APC in Bayelsa, advised the governor to first convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address lingering internal crises within the party. He urged Diri to use his influence to bring together rival camps, particularly those led by former Governor Timipre Sylva and Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Eradiri warned against sidelining Sylva, describing the former governor as a foundational figure in Bayelsa APC. “Leaving Sylva out of the process would be counterproductive,” he said, stressing that a united APC would benefit from Diri’s defection.

He added that the governor should bring the same peaceful and conciliatory approach he applied in managing PDP affairs to his new party. “Bayelsa stands to gain immensely if the APC is a strong, united family. We don’t want a situation where influential figures undermine each other once he joins the party,” Eradiri said.

Highlighting the potential advantages of aligning with the ruling party, Eradiri noted that Diri’s defection could attract global investors to the state. He recalled his past advice to Diri and other Ijaw leaders to join the ruling party to accelerate development and ensure inclusion in national decision-making.

“We must be at the table where decisions affecting Nigeria are made. Being part of the APC gives Bayelsa the platform to engage meaningfully with the Presidency and investors, boosting confidence in state projects,” Eradiri said.

He concluded by welcoming Governor Diri to the APC and pledging support for his leadership.