In a significant political development in Bayelsa State, all Local Government Chairmen operating under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have collectively announced their resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This move comes as a direct show of solidarity with Governor Senator Douye Diri, who himself recently tendered his resignation from the same party. The announcement was made during a well-attended press conference at the ALGON Secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital, marking a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape.
The chairmen's decision underscores a deepening crisis within the PDP, which has been plagued by internal divisions and leadership tussles in recent times. Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Lelei Tariye Isaac, the Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, articulated the reasons behind this mass exodus. He emphasized that the local government leaders were elected on the PDP platform but could no longer remain affiliated given the governor's departure and the ongoing turmoil within the party.
“We were elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, and today, we are aware that our leader, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party,” Hon. Isaac declared during the briefing. His statement highlighted the unbreakable bond between the local government officials and the state governor, portraying the resignation as an act of unwavering loyalty and unity.
Extending the scope of the decision, Hon. Isaac clarified that it was not limited to the chairmen alone. “As Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and other appointees of the Local Government Areas, we support the decision of our governor, we stand with him and consequently, we hereby resign our membership of the People’s Democratic Party,” he affirmed. This comprehensive resignation encompasses a broad spectrum of elected and appointed officials at the grassroots level, signaling a potential shift in political alignments across Bayelsa's eight local government areas.
The press conference served not only as a platform for the announcement but also as a demonstration of solidarity among the leaders. Several prominent chairmen were in attendance, reinforcing the message of collective resolve. Among those present were Hon. David Alagoa, Chairman of Nembe Local Government Area; Hon. Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area; and Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area. Additionally, Hon. Isaac Onniye of Ekeremor Local Government Area and Hon. Golden Jeremiah of Ogbia Local Government Area joined the briefing, lending their voices to the cause.
Notably, two chairmen were absent but their support was implicitly acknowledged. Hon. Alice Allen Tangi of Sagbama Local Government Area and Hon. Lucky Febo of Brass Local Government Area could not attend the conference, yet the group maintained that their stance aligned fully with the resignation decision. This near-unanimous participation underscores the depth of allegiance to Governor Diri and the shared frustration with the PDP's internal challenges.
In a gesture of gratitude, Hon. Isaac took time to appreciate the people of Bayelsa for their continued backing of what he referred to as the ‘Prosperity Government’. This term appears to reference the administration led by Governor Diri, which has focused on developmental initiatives amid the state's resource-rich but challenging terrain. By thanking Bayelsans, the chairmen aimed to reassure the public that their political realignment is geared toward sustaining progress and stability at both state and local levels.
The crisis within the PDP that prompted this resignation has been a subject of widespread discussion in Nigerian political circles. Bayelsa State, known for its oil wealth and strategic importance in the Niger Delta region, has often been a battleground for party loyalties and power struggles. Governor Diri's own resignation from the PDP is believed to stem from irreconcilable differences with national party leadership and factional disputes that have hampered effective governance. By following suit, the local government chairmen are effectively decoupling grassroots politics from the party's national woes, potentially paving the way for a new political formation or alliance under Diri's leadership.
This development could have far-reaching implications for Bayelsa's political dynamics. The PDP has historically dominated the state since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999, with figures like Diri rising through its ranks. A mass defection at the local government level might weaken the party's foothold, especially ahead of future elections. It also raises questions about the future political vehicle for these officials—whether they will float an independent platform, join another existing party, or rally behind Diri in a yet-to-be-revealed structure.
The press conference itself was a carefully orchestrated event, held at the ALGON Secretariat to symbolize the institutional backing of local governments. Reporters and stakeholders present noted the charged atmosphere, with chairmen expressing confidence in their decision. Hon. Isaac's remarks were measured yet firm, avoiding direct attacks on the PDP while focusing on loyalty to the governor and the need for unity in advancing Bayelsa's interests.
Governor Douye Diri, who assumed office in 2020 after a controversial Supreme Court ruling that nullified the election of his predecessor, has navigated a tenure marked by efforts to consolidate power and deliver on infrastructure, security, and economic promises. His resignation from the PDP is seen by supporters as a bold step to transcend partisan limitations and prioritize state-specific agendas. The local chairmen's action amplifies this narrative, portraying Diri as a unifying figure capable of commanding loyalty beyond party lines.
As Bayelsa grapples with issues such as environmental degradation from oil activities, youth unemployment, and infrastructural deficits, the alignment of local leaders with the governor could streamline policy implementation. The ‘Prosperity Government’ mantra suggests an emphasis on inclusive growth, and the chairmen's public endorsement reinforces public trust in this vision.
In conclusion, the resignation of Bayelsa State's ALGON chairmen and associated officials from the PDP represents more than a mere party switch; it is a testament to political solidarity in the face of adversity. With key figures like Hon. Lelei Tariye Isaac leading the charge and others such as Hon. David Alagoa, Hon. Target Segibo, and Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari in attendance, the move sends a clear message to political observers nationwide. While Hon. Alice Allen Tangi and Hon. Lucky Febo were absent, their inclusion in the collective decision ensures a unified front. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Governor Diri and his new path, with the potential to reshape Bayelsa's governance for years to come. This event not only highlights the fragility of party structures in Nigerian politics but also the enduring influence of personal leadership and local alliances.
