Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has explained his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was made “in the best interest of the state.”

Speaking on Sunday at the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day held at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Diri said leadership sometimes requires tough choices and that his defection was not driven by personal ambition but by the desire to advance Bayelsa’s unity and development.

“Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP), and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” he said.

The governor, making his first public statement since leaving the PDP on October 15, 2025, said his administration had focused on completing abandoned projects and initiating new ones to ensure even development across the state.

“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God,” Diri stated.

He also highlighted Bayelsa’s improved peace and security, urging citizens to see politics as a tool for unity, not division.

“Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state,” he added.

The thanksgiving event drew dignitaries from across party lines, including Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, who commended Bayelsa’s spirit of unity and urged continued support for Diri’s administration.

Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri as a “bridge-builder,” saying Bayelsa could not afford to remain in opposition when “key national decisions are being made.”

Also speaking, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, praised the governor’s leadership and prayed for divine wisdom for him to continue steering the state toward progress.

The thanksgiving service featured a sermon by Bishop Mike Okonkwo of TREM, who preached on gratitude and urged Bayelsans to remain united in faith and purpose.

The event was attended by former government officials, serving lawmakers, traditional rulers, and prominent personalities from within and outside Bayelsa State.