The Concerned Bayelsa Stakeholders Forum (CBSF) has called on Governor Douye Diri to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for Bayelsa State to secure greater federal presence and influence.
Speaking during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Tuesday, the convener of the forum, Mr. Wisdom Ikuli — who also serves as Governor Diri’s Technical Adviser on Print Media — urged stakeholders across the state to support the move, which he described as crucial for Bayelsa’s political and economic future.
Ikuli explained that CBSF is a non-partisan group made up of individuals from various political backgrounds, including non-indigenes, united by the common goal of advancing Bayelsa’s interests. He alleged that several PDP elements had previously conspired to deny Bayelsa and the Ijaw people the Presidency in 2015, and warned that internal party disputes and ongoing litigations could further weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Bayelsa remains the only PDP-controlled state in the South-South, surrounded by APC-led states. This political isolation threatens our development and relevance,” Ikuli said, warning of an entrenched elite cabal within the PDP that may undermine the state’s prospects in future elections.
The CBSF, he added, is preparing to embark on daily rallies in Yenagoa to pressure Governor Diri into considering defection to the APC. Ikuli described the move as “non-negotiable and imperative” for the good of the state.
Referencing the legacies of prominent Ijaw leaders like Chiefs Dappa-Biriye and Melford Okilo, Ikuli emphasized the historical importance of aligning with the government at the centre, especially given Bayelsa’s unique geography and developmental needs.
He cited the period of PDP’s dominance when Bayelsa produced Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as both Vice President and President, saying such alignment amplified Ijaw political influence. In contrast, he lamented the current marginalisation of the Ijaw people in top federal offices.
“In spite of our population and oil contributions — over 65% of Nigeria’s oil wealth — the Ijaw nation remains politically sidelined because we are not aligned with the ruling party,” he said.
Ikuli praised President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of Ijaw sons and daughters to key federal positions, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State for Petroleum), Chief Samuel Ogbuku (NDDC Managing Director), Chief Ebitimi Amgbare (NDDBA Managing Director), and Preye Aganaba (Executive Director, South South Development Commission).
He also applauded the President for approving the federal government’s takeover of the Nembe-Brass Road Second Phase, a critical infrastructure project linking Bayelsa to the Atlantic Ocean.
“The Agge Seaport project, among others, can only materialize if Bayelsa aligns with the Federal Government,” Ikuli asserted. He urged Governor Diri to follow the lead of other Southern governors in the APC and join the ruling party to unlock opportunities for lasting prosperity.
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