Member representing Bayelsa West at the Nigerian Senate, Senator Seriake Dickson has made it clear he will not follow Governor Douye Diri to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Bayelsa governor said he remains firmly with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite growing defections in the state.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly, Dickson said Governor Diri had informed him several times about his plan to leave the PDP, but he saw no justification for it.
The senate member described the governor’s decision as unnecessary and politically misplaced.
“Everyone is rushing to the ruling party; you don’t even know what is pushing them or what they are pursuing. The governor consulted me several times, and I was not convinced because I didn’t see any compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect,” he said.
Governor Diri’s move to the APC has stirred political reactions in Bayelsa, with many describing it as a major shake-up in the state’s political structure.
Dickson, who governed Bayelsa between 2012 and 2020, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, adding that he has no plans to leave the party that gave him a platform to serve.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and continue working for the growth of the party in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri formally announced his move to the APC on Wednesday during a live media broadcast at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House.
He revealed that the chairmen of all local government areas in the state would be joining him, along with 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.