Diri’ll add value to our party – APC chieftains

The presidency, governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party will, on Monday, formally welcome Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, into the fold of the ruling party.

Diri had recently resigned from his membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was silent on his next political destination.

Findings from multiple sources now indicate that he is set to be formally received into the APC by the presidency, governors and the APC NWC.

According to investigations, the presidency and members of the APC NWC, led by its chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, will be in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, to welcome Diri into its fold.

Though sources could not confirm if Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent President Bola Tinubu or delegate someone else, the APC governors, especially the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, South-South Governors and top members of the APC NWC, are expected in Yenagoa for an elaborate ceremony to receive Diri.

It was gathered that Diri has also informed some top members of the APC that he would be formally joining the APC on Monday.

A top aide of the governor, who preferred anonymity confirmed the story, noting that his boss would be formally defecting to the APC on Monday.

The Chairman of APC in Bayelsa State, Dr Dennis Otiotio, who, in an interview, confirmed that Diri would be joining the APC on Monday, said the event in Yenagoa would have in attendance top members of the NWC.

Meanwhile, chieftains of the party in Bayelsa State have declared that Diri’s defection the party would add value to the party rather than destabilise it.

Former vice chairman of the APC in the Bayelsa West, Samuel Aredeh, and Kenelayefa Stevens, in separate interviews, dismissed insinuations that Diri’s entry into the party would lead to crisis.

According to Aredeh, the influx of new members is a testament to the confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

“Governors and political leaders are not defecting out of fear or desperation; they are joining because they see results, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working. Nigeria is being restructured for growth, the economy is stabilising and governance is becoming more pragmatic and inclusive.

“Building Bayelsa is bigger than any individual’s ambition. Our focus is Bayelsa first, and Mr. President’s vision to reposition Nigeria and lead it to its rightful place in the comity of nations is what we are committed to supporting.”

Stevens, on his part, pointed out that Diri’s defection to the APC is a strategic gain that strengthens the APC’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He expressed optimism that the APC remains robust, inclusive and forward-looking, noting that Diri’s likely defection is a welcome development. (THE SUN)