A former APC governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Festus Daumiebi Sunday, has defended Governor Douye Diri's decision to defect from the PDP to the APC. Sunday stated that political leaders should make decisions based on their convictions and changing circumstances without facing personal attacks from former allies. He made this statement in response to criticisms from the Bayelsa PDP chairman, George Turnah. Diri resigned from the PDP on October 15, 2025, and joined the APC on November 3, 2025.
Sunday argued that although some individuals helped Diri politically, their support shouldn't dictate his future decisions. He emphasized that Diri's decision to leave the PDP shouldn't be a lasting source of disagreement with those who supported him. Sunday noted that the governor's move to the APC shouldn't be considered an "eternal crime." He advocated for issue-based politics, focusing on policies, development records, and the welfare of the people.
As a former opponent of Diri in the 2019 Bayelsa Central Senatorial election and participant in the APC's 2020 governorship campaign, Sunday recalled that he never resorted to personal insults during those contests. He challenged anyone to produce evidence of personal attacks against Diri. Sunday emphasized that Diri's peaceful nature shouldn't be mistaken for an inability to respond to political attacks.
Sunday called on Turnah to exercise restraint in his public comments about Diri, stressing the importance of respect and decorum among political leaders. He noted that this aligns with Ijaw cultural values, which prioritize respect for elders and responsible communication. Sunday's statement comes amid ongoing criticisms of Diri's defection.
The APC chieftain questioned the PDP-led Rainbow Coalition's relevance in Bayelsa, arguing that the APC has established structures across the state. He suggested that the coalition should focus on presenting its agenda and candidates rather than attacking Diri. Sunday dismissed claims that the APC needs the coalition's support for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
The PDP-led Rainbow Coalition has maintained that it enjoys grassroots support across Bayelsa and has called for cooperation with the APC to advance Tinubu's re-election. However, Sunday's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the two parties. The defection of Diri, a prominent figure in Bayelsa politics, has significant implications for the state's political landscape.
As the 2027 general election approaches, the political dynamics in Bayelsa State continue to evolve. The reactions of various stakeholders, including political leaders and party members, will likely shape the state's political future. The emphasis on issue-based politics and responsible communication may influence the tone of future political engagements in the state.
Key points
- APC chieftain defends Diri's defection to APC.
- Calls for issue-based politics in Bayelsa.
- Questions relevance of PDP-led Rainbow Coalition.
