In a sweeping political shift, 23 lawmakers in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have tendered their resignations from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a major realignment in state politics. The move has profound implications for the balance of power in the state and may affect future pronouncements on resource allocation and governance.
The joint resignation was announced at a well-attended press event where the lawmakers stated their intention to defect, citing dissatisfaction with party leadership and the desire for better alignment with the federal government under the APC. They praised projects already carried out by the Tinubu administration and claimed that greater synergy with the ruling party would accelerate development in Bayelsa.
Governor Douye Diri, long a PDP figurehead in the Niger Delta, faces a challenging political moment. The defections reduce his party’s legislative support and raise questions about coalition dynamics in the state. Political analysts are watching closely whether these lawmakers will retain their seats under defections or whether legal challenges and recalls will emerge.
The defecting lawmakers also hinted at broad negotiations underway with party leaderships in the APC, including promises of strategic roles and committee assignments. Their move increases pressure on local and national party leaders to secure loyalty and manage further shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
