In the wake of Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declare the governor’s seat vacant.
Diri’s exit from the PDP, announced on Wednesday during an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, marks a dramatic turn in the state’s political landscape.
The meeting was attended by key state officials including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and several lawmakers, though the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was conspicuously absent.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said his decision came after “extensive consultations” with political stakeholders across the state. “This is a decision made in good conscience and in the best interest of our people. I thank all who have stood by me through the years and urge you to continue to support the administration as we build a stronger Bayelsa,” Diri stated.
His resignation has triggered a wave of defections, as all eight local government chairmen across the state announced their withdrawal from the PDP to align with the governor.
At a press briefing held at the ALGON Secretariat in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA Chairman, Lelei Isaac, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the party’s internal divisions had become irredeemable. “We were elected under the PDP, but our loyalty remains with our leader, the governor. Therefore, we stand with him and hereby resign from the PDP,” Isaac declared.
Chairmen from Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa, Ekeremor, and Ogbia LGAs were present, while those of Sagbama and Brass were absent.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, has called for immediate constitutional action.
In a post on his verified Instagram handle, Okonkwo argued that Diri’s resignation automatically disqualifies him from holding office under Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires a governor to belong to and be sponsored by a political party.
“Governor Douye Diri has effectively vacated his seat by resigning from the PDP without joining another political party. The Constitution is clear — no one can be governor without a party affiliation. INEC must declare the seat vacant and organise a fresh election within 90 days,” Okonkwo wrote.
The development has thrown the PDP into deeper crisis, coming on the heels of similar defections by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other high-profile party members in the South-South and South-East.
Political observers warn that the opposition party may be losing its long-held grip on the oil-rich Niger Delta, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to make inroads ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As of Wednesday night, Governor Diri had yet to announce his new political affiliation, fuelling speculations that he may be on his way to joining the APC.
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