Lokpobiri’s Strategy Stabilises Bayelsa APC, Clears Path for Diri’s Leadership

Bayelsa State has witnessed a major political realignment in the South-South, following a carefully managed transition that reshaped party dynamics and power structures within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the heart of the development is Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), whose political coordination and reconciliation efforts helped stabilise the APC in Bayelsa and paved the way for Governor Douye Diri’s emergence within the party.

Shifting Political Landscape

For decades, Bayelsa was firmly controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, internal divisions and growing dissatisfaction within the PDP began to alter the political climate in 2025, with senior figures showing openness to alternative platforms.

Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the PDP on October 15, 2025, marked a decisive moment. Though he initially refrained from naming a new party, political observers widely anticipated his move to the APC, seen as a step toward aligning the state with the federal government for increased development opportunities.

Lokpobiri’s Role in Party Stability

Senator Lokpobiri emerged as a central figure in managing the transition. Rather than inflaming long-standing factional rivalries within the Bayelsa APC, he pursued an inclusive strategy, urging unity and patience among party stakeholders.

Following Diri’s resignation from the PDP, Lokpobiri publicly welcomed the move, describing it as bold and patriotic, and encouraged the governor to formally join the APC. His stance helped calm internal concerns and reassured various APC factions, including supporters of former governor Timipre Sylva, that Diri’s entry would strengthen rather than sideline existing party structures.

Navigating Internal Tensions

The Bayelsa APC has historically faced internal rivalries, particularly among key political blocs. As discussions around Diri’s defection intensified, tensions resurfaced over party leadership balance. However, Lokpobiri’s behind-the-scenes engagement prevented disagreements from escalating into open conflict, preserving party cohesion throughout the transition.

From Defection to Consolidation

On November 3, 2025, Governor Diri officially joined the APC at a ceremony in Yenagoa attended by national party leaders, APC governors and senior federal officials. President Bola Tinubu publicly welcomed him, describing the development as a step toward unity and progress.

Diri said his decision was motivated by the need to accelerate Bayelsa’s development, noting that alignment with the ruling party would enhance federal collaboration and project delivery.

A New Political Equation

The coordinated efforts of Lokpobiri and Diri have reshaped Bayelsa’s political equation. The APC emerged from the transition more unified, with expanded influence and a clearer leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With strengthened grassroots acceptance and improved state–federal alignment, the APC in Bayelsa is now positioned for sustained political relevance and governance partnerships in the years ahead.

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