Samuel Omang
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has welcomed the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as the final step in securing the APC’s political dominance in the South-South region.
Keyamo, in a post on X on Monday, reacted to the warm reception extended to Diri by APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, saying the governor’s move has cemented the ruling party’s strength in a region previously considered resistant to the APC.
“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 the APC, while the sixth has a leader and Minister openly supporting President Bola Tinubu,” Keyamo wrote.
“From a position of weakness in 2015, 2019 and 2023, we have moved to a position of absolute advantage ahead of 2027. Welcome home, Governor Douye Diri.”
Yilwatda had earlier welcomed the Bayelsa governor, describing his entry as part of the “Broom Revolution” strengthening the APC’s national spread.
Diri resigned from the PDP on October 15, saying his decision was influenced by the broader interest of Bayelsa State. Speaking at the Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day event in Yenagoa on Sunday, he said the defection was a strategic step for the state’s political and economic advancement.
“Someone had to make the move and I did so on behalf of Bayelsans. Time will vindicate this decision,” Diri noted.
Political analysts believe Diri’s defection positions the APC as the dominant force in the South-South, a region that was once a major stronghold of the opposition PDP.
Keyamo’s remarks underline the ruling party’s growing confidence, as the APC looks to consolidate support and expand its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.