Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Vice President Kashim Shettima led top APC figures to Yenagoa for the governor’s official welcome ceremony.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno also attended.
Party supporters filled the venue, waving flags and chanting slogans to celebrate Diri’s entry into the party.
The event marks a major political shift in Bayelsa, long considered a stronghold of the PDP.
Diri’s defection comes amid a wave of movements by prominent politicians from the PDP to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.