Bayelsa APC leaders tackle Diri over alleged defection plan

Stakeholders Forum of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to be wary of any alliance” with the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri.

The call was contained in a statement titled ‘Beware of Governor Duoye Diri, He’s a Serial Betrayer. Bayelsa APC Cannot Afford His Politics of Betrayal, Divisiveness and Greed,’ signed by the chairman and secretary of the stakeholders, Chief Samuel Yousuo and Elder Ebigoni Gabriel respectively, addressed to the Mr President and made available to the media in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

South-South According learnt that the Bayelsa APC Stakeholders Forum meeting was held on Tuesday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The statement reads in part, “The above subject matter refers, we, on behalf of APC Elders and Stakeholders Forum, write to express our concerns and advise you to be wary of any alliance between your good offices with that of our state governor, Senator Duoye Diri.

“This plea could not have come at a better time than now, as we observed the unholy romance between Governor Diri and aides of the President, coordinated by your Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The romance and plan by Diri was to decamp to APC before the 2027 general election. Bayelsa APC does not need Diri, we are capable of winning without him if the President supports our reconciliatory efforts.”

Appealing to President Tinubu, as his trusted ally in Bayelsa State, the forum stated, “We are using this medium to let you know that Diri can’t keep faith with anyone.

“Diri has abandoned all PDP leaders in the state. We are writing to let you know that he has no electoral value, so his coming to APC will be a big baggage for us. Diri is doing all he can to curry your favour, as he is afraid of being removed by the tribunal.”

They claimed that Diri, who worked against President Tinubu’s interest in the 2023 presidential polls was already working with some Northern PDP elements for the 2027 election.

They averred that Diri’s romance with the Presidency may not be unconnected with the 2023 Bayelsa governorship poll being disputed at the state Election Petition Tribunal.

But in a reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Diri, Mr Daniel Alaibrah, dismissed the allegations levelled against his principal, describing them as baseless.

Alabrah said, “APC is depleted following its trouncing at the polls and I wondered why Governor Diri will choose to decamp after winning a second term.

“The APC’s petition at the tribunal is worthless and I want to tell you that Diri does not need to fear removal by the tribunal.

“Diri is a well-loved political figure in the state. Besides, these characters who claim to belong to the group are unknown, we know the real opposition figures.

“This is the voice of Jacob and the hand of Esau. Some persons are behind this mischief. In any case, who are these persons that think they can dictate who the President goes into an alliance with?”