I Won’t Force My Deputy to Join APC — Gov Diri Speaks on APC Defection Rumours

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said he will not compel his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diri made the statement on Wednesday during a State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Yenagoa, with Ewhrudjakpo in attendance.

The governor, who formally joined the APC on November 3 after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, said his approach to leadership emphasizes dialogue and persuasion rather than coercion.

“It is actually difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another,” Diri said. “But we will continue to talk, and we might end up in the same party tomorrow.”

He explained that while the situation presents challenges, his ongoing discussions with the deputy governor were producing positive outcomes.

Court Case Withdrawn

Diri disclosed that Ewhrudjakpo had withdrawn a court case he earlier filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop an alleged impeachment move by the State House of Assembly over his refusal to join the APC.

“Let me address an issue that has been a subject of speculation in the media,” the governor said. “I do not intend to force anyone to join the APC. I only appeal for understanding and unity. I might have the power today, but not tomorrow.”

Call for Unity and Peace

The governor urged Bayelsans to see politics as a tool for development rather than division.

“We must not heat up the polity. We are done with violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers, and we are one. Politics should be for the progress of our state, not to fight one another,” Diri said.