A former House of Representatives member and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, Israel Sunny-Goli, has expressed optimism that Governor Douye Diri will join the ruling party following his shock resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Naijaonpoint reports that Diri had on Wednesday announced his departure from the PDP during an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, citing “obvious reasons” for his decision.
Although the governor is yet to declare his new political platform, speculations have intensified over a likely switch to the APC.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Sunny-Goli said Diri’s leadership style and track record made him a natural fit for the APC.
Sunny-Goli said, “We see a leader who is competent, capable, sincere, and ready to take the state to the next level.
“That is why those of us in the APC are praying and hoping that, when he finally tells the world which party he’s going to, it will be the APC.”
The ex-lawmaker also disclosed that, despite being an APC member, he voted for Diri in the last governorship election because of the governor’s projects and development drive.
Sunny-Goli dismissed suggestions that the governor might pitch his tent with smaller opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress or the Labour Party, describing them as lacking the stability and structure of the APC.
“Only the APC has the national structure and stability to support the governor’s vision for Bayelsa,” he argued.
‘I Am Not Leaving Alone’ – Diri
In his resignation speech, Diri made it clear that his decision was not a solitary one, noting that key lawmakers and political leaders had moved with him.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the announcement was made in the presence of the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; his deputy, Michael Ogbere; APGA minority leader, Edward Brigidi; and seven other lawmakers.
The governor said his choice followed extensive consultations with political leaders across the state.
Diri said, “Today, I wish to address a matter that has been the subject of speculation and debate across party lines in Bayelsa State and beyond.
“We allowed the speculations, but while it lasted, we were also doing our consultation. I am not resigning alone, as you can see. I am here with Mr Speaker, Deputy Speaker and all the members of our party in the Assembly who are with me on this. So, today, I have formally resigned from the PDP for very obvious reasons.”
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