Diri Joins APC, Keyamo Says Party Now Strongest in South-South

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has hailed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a major boost to the ruling party’s dominance in the South-South region.

In a post on X on Monday, Keyamo welcomed Diri’s move, while also acknowledging APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, for formally receiving the governor into the party fold.

“Finally, the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle in the South-South has moved into place! Officially, five of the six states in the region are now in APC, while the sixth has a leader and Minister in active, open support of Mr. President. From a position of absolute weakness in 2015, 2019, and 2023 to a position of absolute advantage and strength ahead of 2027! Welcome home, Governor Douye Diri!” Keyamo wrote.

Yilwatda also welcomed Diri, posting: “The Broom Revolution. Welcome to our family and party, Governor Douye Diri.”

Diri had resigned from the PDP on October 15, citing “obvious reasons” without going into details. Speaking at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, on Sunday, the governor said his decision was motivated by the overall interest of Bayelsa State.

“Someone had to make the move, and I did so on behalf of Bayelsans. Although some may not immediately understand my decision to join the ruling party, time will reveal that it was driven by altruistic motives,” Diri said.

Keyamo’s statement positions the APC as the party with “absolute advantage and strength” in a region where it had previously struggled, highlighting the strategic importance of Diri’s defection.