“He’s a serial betrayer, beware of Diri” - Tinubu warned as influential PDP Gov reportedly plans deflect to APC
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa state have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be cautious about associating with Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
The warning was issued in a statement released and signed by the chairman and secretary of the stakeholders, Chief Samuel Yousuo and Elder Ebigoni Gabriel and addressed to Tinubu.
In the letter, the APC stakeholders described Governor Douye Dirir as a serial betrayer, emphasising that the Bayelsa APC cannot afford his politics of betrayal, divisiveness and greed.
During the Bayelsa APC Stakeholders Forum held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in Asaba, the group noted an unholy alliance between Diri a known member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the president’s aides.
According to the aggrieved chieftains, Diri lacks electoral value and is seen as a burden.
The statement reads in part:
“The above subject matter refers, we, on behalf of APC Elders and Stakeholders Forum, write to express our concerns and advise you to be wary of any alliance between your good offices with that of our state governor, Senator Duoye Diri.
“This plea could not have come at a better time than now, as we observed the unholy romance between Governor Diri and aides of the President, coordinated by your Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.
“The romance and plan by Diri was to decamp to APC before the 2027 general election. Bayelsa APC does not need Diri, we are capable of winning without him if the President supports our reconciliatory efforts.”
“Diri has abandoned all PDP leaders in the state. We are writing to let you know that he has no electoral value, so his coming to APC will be a big baggage for us. Diri is doing all he can to curry your favour, as he is afraid of being removed by the tribunal.”
In response to the accusation, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alaibrah, dismissed the claims against as unfounded. He argued that Governor Diri has no reason to deflect to the APC.
Alabrah said, “APC is depleted following its trouncing at the polls and I wondered why Governor Diri will choose to decamp after winning a second term.
“The APC’s petition at the tribunal is worthless and I want to tell you that Diri does not need to fear removal by the tribunal.
“Diri is a well-loved political figure in the state. Besides, these characters who claim to belong to the group are unknown, we know the real opposition figures.